THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"God designed the Bible to be a lesson book to all mankind, in childhood,
youth, and manhood, and to be studied through all time. He gave His word
to men as a revelation of Himself. . . . It is the medium of communication
between God and man."—The
Great Controversy,
page 69.
"The Bible contains all the principles that men need to understand in
order to be fitted either for this life or for the life to come. And these princi-
ples may be understood by all. . . . But the most valuable teaching of the
Bible is not to be gained by occasional or disconnected study. Its great system
of truth is not so presented as to be discerned by the hasty or careless reader.
. . . The truths that go to make up the great whole must be searched out
and gathered up, 'here a little, and there a little.' Isaiah
28:10."—Education,
page 123.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures,
I pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my
Sabbath school lesson each day of the week.
Name
LESSON TITLES FOR THE QUARTER
T. Youth in the Home and in the
Church.
2.
A Study in Character Contrasts
(Cain and Abel, Samuel and the
sons of Eli, Absalom and Josiah)
3.
Triumph in the Supreme Test
(Isaac)
4.
The Young Woman Who Became
the Mother of Two Nations (Re-
bekah)
5.
The Youthful Dreamer (Joseph)
6.
A Youth Chosen for Great Leader-
ship (Moses)
7.
The Youth Who Wanted His Own
Way (Samson)
8.
The Unforgettable Friendship (Da-
vid and Jonathan)
9.
The Youth Who Dared to Be Dif-
ferent (Daniel)
io. From Persecutor to Apostle (Paul)
II. The Prodigal and His Brother
12.
A Youth Who Fulfilled His Mis-
sion (John the Baptist)
13.
The Youth Who Redeemed the
World
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 266, October-December, 1961. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents
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Copyright, 1961, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
CHARACTER STUDIES OF BIBLE YOUTH
General Introduction
"In order that the work may go forward
in all its branches, God calls for youthful
vigor, zeal, and courage. He has chosen the
youth to aid in the advancement of His
cause. To plan with clear mind and execute
with courageous hand demands fresh, un-
crippled energies. Young men and women
are invited to give God the strength of
their youth, that through the exercise of
their powers, through keen thought and
vigorous action, they may bring glory to
Him and salvation to their fellow men."—
Messages to Young People,
page 20.
As we study the Sabbath school lessons
for this quarter, it is well to keep in mind
the clear statement of God's last-day mes-
senger: "As an educator no part of the
Bible is of greater value than are its biog-
raphies."—Education, page 146.
The first lesson of this series serves as an
introduction, to point up the importance of
the youth of the church.
Lesson 1, for October 7, 1961
Youth in the Home and in the Church
MEMORY VERSE:
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the
believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 437-442, 511-517; "The Adventist
Home," pages 181-199; "Messages to Young People," pages 331-338; "The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; the "Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Dictionary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-7; begin
reading Study Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11, 12;
read from Study Helps.
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Training of the Youth
1.
Children, a heritage of the Lord.
Ps. 127:3.
2.
Counsel and promise. Prov. 22;6.
3.
Responsibility of fathers. Eph. 6:4.
4.
Bishops to have their children under
control. 1 Tim. 3:4, 5, 12.
II. Instruction to the Youth
5.
Honor to parents. Ex. 20:12.
6.
Obedience enjoined. Eph. 6:1-3.
7.
God's appeal to youth. Eccl. 12:1;
Prov. 3:1-6; 4:20-27; 23:6.
[
3a
III. Care for the Youth
8.
Jesus' love for children.
Mark 10:13-16
9.
The greatest in the kingdom of
heaven. Matt. 18:1-6.
10.
"Feed My lambs." John 21:15.
IV. The Work of the Youth
11.
To be an example. 1 Tim. 4:12.
12.
To testify under the Holy Spirit.
Joel 2:28, 29.
THE
Introduction
"God has appointed the church as a
watchman, to have a jealous care over the
youth and children, and as a sentinel to see
the approach of the enemy and give warn-
ing of danger. But the church does not real-
ize the situation. She is sleeping on guard.
In this time of peril, fathers and mothers
must arouse and work as for life, or many
of the youth will be forever lost. . . .
"Both parents and teachers, by precept
and example, are so to instill the principles
of truth and honesty into the minds and
hearts of the young that they will become
men and women who are as true as steel to
God and His
cause."—Counsels to Parents,
Teachers, and Students,
page 165.
It is the responsibility of the whole
church, not only of parents and teachers,
to take an interest in the children and
youth and to help provide for their Chris-
tian training and education.
LESSON
joins is to direct, educate, develop. But in
order for parents to do this work, they
must themselves understand the 'way' the
child should go. It is impossible for parents
to give their children proper training unless
they first give themselves to God, learning
of the Great Teacher lessons of obedience
to His
will."—Counsels to Parents, Teach-
ers, and Students,
page 108.
"Children are sometimes tempted to
chafe under restraint; but in afterlife they
will bless their parents for the faithful
care and strict watchfulness that guarded
and guided them in their years of inexperi-
ence."—Ibid., p. 161.
3. How does the apostle Paul in-
dicate the responsibility of fathers in
the training of their children? Eph.
6:4.
Training of the Youth
1.
What does the Bible declare
children to be? Ps. 127:3, first part.
NoTE.—"Children are a heritage from the
Lord, and they are to be trained for His
service. This is the work that rests upon
parents and teachers with solemn, sacred
force, which they cannot evade or ignore."
—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Stu-
dents,
page 143.
2.
What counsel and promise does
the wise man combine in his instruc-
tion to those responsible for the train-
ing of youth? Prov. 22:6.
NOTE.—"Children may be trained for the
service of sin or for the service of righteous-
ness. . . . The training that Solomon en-
NoTE.—"Like the patriarchs of old, those
who profess to love God should erect an
altar to the Lord wherever they pitch their
tent. If ever there was a time when every
house should be a house of prayer, it is now.
Fathers and mothers should often lift up
their hearts to God in humble supplication
for themselves and their children. Let the
father, as priest of the household, lay upon
the altar of God the morning and evening
sacrifice, while the wife and children unite
in prayer and praise. In such a household,
Jesus will love to
tarry."—Messages to
Young People,
page 325.
4. What qualification with respect
to family training must bishops and
deacons possess? 1 Tim. 3:4, 5, 12.
NOTE.—"A well-ordered Christian house-
hold is a powerful argument in favor of the
reality of the Christian religion,—an argu-
[ 4 ]
ment that the infidel cannot gainsay.
All
can
see that there is an influence at work in
the family that affects the children, and
that the God of Abraham is with them."—
Messages to Young People,
page 325.
If you are too busy to study
your lesson daily you are too
busy.
—Adapted
Instruction to the Youth
5.
What is the children's responsi-
bility toward their parents? Ex. 20:12.
NoTE.—"Children and youth, in your
earliest years you may be a blessing in the
home. What a grief it is to see children of
God-fearing parents unruly and disobedient,
unthankful and self-willed, full of determi-
nation to have their own way, regardless of
the inconvenience or sorrow it causes their
parents."—Messages to Young People,
page
333.
6.
What admonition does the apos-
tle Paul give to children? Eph. 6:1-3.
NoTE.—"Children who dishonor and dis-
obey their parents, and disregard their
advice and instructions, can have no part
in the earth made new. The purified new
earth will be no place for the rebellious,
the disobedient, the ungrateful, son or
daughter. Unless such learn obedience and
submission here, they will never learn it;
the peace of the ransomed will not be
marred by disobedient, unruly, unsubmis-
sive children. No commandment breaker
can inherit the kingdom of heaven."—
Testimonies, vol. 1,
pp. 497, 498.
7.
In what words did Solomon
appeal to young people to give their
hearts and lives to God? Eccl. 12:1;
Prov. 3:1-6; 4:20-27; 23:26.
Care for the Youth
8.
How did Jesus demonstrate His
love for children? Mark 10:13-16.
NoTE.—"When Jesus told the disciples
not to forbid the children to come to Him,
He was speaking to His followers in all
ages,—to officers of the church, to ministers,
helpers, and all Christians. Jesus is drawing
the children, and He bids us, Suffer them
to come; as if He would say, They will
come if you do not hinder them. . . .
"The Christian worker may be Christ's
agent in drawing these children to the Sav-
iour. By wisdom and tact he may bind
them to his heart, he may give them cour-
age and hope, and through the grace of
Christ may see them transformed in char-
acter, so that of them it may be said, 'Of
such is the kingdom of God.'
"—The De-
sire of Ages,
page 517.
9.
Of what does true greatness con-
sist? Matt. 18:1-6.
NoTE.—"The simplicity, the self-forget-
fulness, and the confiding love of a little
child are the attributes that Heaven values.
These are the characteristics of real great-
ness."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 437.
10.
When commissioning Peter as
a shepherd of the flock, whom did
Christ first commend to his care? John
21:15.
NorE.—"The first work that Christ en-
trusted to Peter on restoring him to the
ministry was to feed the lambs. This was
a work in which Peter had little experience.
It would require great care and tenderness,
much patience and perseverance. It called
him to minister to those who were young
in the faith, to teach the ignorant, to open
the Scriptures to them, and to educate them
for usefulness in Christ's service. Hereto-
fore Peter had not been fitted to do this,
or even to understand its importance. But
this was the work which Jesus now called
6
upon him to do. For this work his own
experience of suffering and repentance had
prepared
him."—The Desire of Ages,
page
812.
The Work of the Youth
11.
What influence may Christian
youth have in the church? 1 Tim.
4:12.
Nom.—"Example of the believers.
That
is, a model of what every genuine Christian
should be like. Compare Titus 2:7. The
phrase may be rendered 'an example to the
believers,' that is, a model of conduct to
be imitated by those who believe."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on 1 Tim. 4:12.
"In our Sabbath schools the Christian
youth should be entrusted with respon-
sibilities, that they may develop their abili-
ties and gain spiritual power. . . . This
work will bring their faculties into exercise
and enable them to learn how to plan and
and how to execute their plans for the
good of their associates."—Counsels
on Sab-
bath School Work,
page 62.
12.
How were young people in-
cluded in a prophecy about the out-
pouring of the Holy Spirit? Joel 2:28,
29. Compare Acts 2:17.
NOTE.
"Upon all flesh.
This thought is
further emphasized by the enumeration of
the various age groups that would share
the spiritual blessing. . . . The context
makes clear that more than the reception
of the Spirit, such as accompanies conver-
sion and works transformation of life, is
here spoken of. This special pouring out of
the Spirit results in the display of super-
natural gifts, such as prophesying. . . .
"The events of Pentecost were but a
partial fulfillment of Joel's prediction. The
prophecy is to 'reach its full accomplish-
ment in the manifestation of divine grace
which will attend the closing work of the
gospel' (GC
ix)."—The Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary,
on Joel 2:28.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Do I really love children and manifest
a
Christlike spirit toward them?
2.
Do I faithfully do my part in fulfilling
God's requirements that make for happy
relationships in the home?
3.
Do I recognize in the youth of today
the leaders of the church of tomorrow?
Lesson 2, for October 14, 1961
A Study in Character Contrasts
MEMORY VERSE:
"As
obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to
the former lusts in your ignorance: but as He which hath called you is holy,
so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy;
for I am holy." 1 Peter
1:14-16.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 71-79, 575-580, 727-745; "The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; the "Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Dictionary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-4; begin
reading Study Helps.
Monday: Questions 5-9.
Tuesday: Questions 10-12; read
further from Study Helps.
Check
Here
Wednesday: Questions 13-15; read
from Study Helps.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
[ 6 ]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The First Two Youths
1.
Joy in the first-born. Gen. 4:1.
2.
Occupations of the two brothers.
Gen. 4:2.
3.
Acceptable and unacceptable offer-
ings. Gen. 4:3-7.
4.
Fruits of disobedience. Gen. 4:8-13;
5:1, 3 ; 1 Chron. 1:1; Luke 3:38.
II. Samuel and the Sons of Eli
5.
Dedication of the child Samuel.
1 Sam. 1:26-28; 2:11, 18,20, 26.
6.
Samuel's eagerness to obey.
1 Sam. 3:8-10, 19, 20.
7. Samuel honored by an important
vision. 1 Sam. 3:11-14.
8. Characters of sons of Eli.
1 Sam. 2:12, 17.
9. Warnings and divine justice.
1 Sam. 2:29-36.
III.
A
King's Son and a Young King
10. Prophecy of tragedy. 2 Sam. 12:10.
11. Appearance and character of Absa-
lom. 2 Sam. 14:25, 30; 15:4, 6,
10-12.
12. Result of evil ways. 2 Sam. 18:9,
10, 15, 33.
13. Family heritage of Josiah.
2 Kings
2, 16, 19-22.
14. Characteristics of Josiah's reign.
2 Kings 22:1, 2, 11-13; 23:25.
15. Spared from wrath to come.
2 Kings 22:19, 20.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam, dif-
fered widely in character. Abel had a spirit
of loyalty to God; he saw justice and
mercy in the Creator's dealings with the
fallen race, and gratefully accepted the
hope of redemption. But Cain cherished
feelings of rebellion, and murmured against
God because of the curse pronounced upon
the earth and upon the human race for
Adam's sin. He permitted his mind to run
in the same channel that led to Satan's fall
-indulging the desire for self-exaltation and
questioning the divine justice and author-
ity."-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 71.
The First Two Youths
1.
To what expression did Eve give
utterance when her first child was
born? Gen. 4:1.
NoTE.-The Hebrew has no word for
"from" in this passage. Eve said simply,
"I have gotten a man-the Lord." (See
The
Desire of Ages,
page 31.)
2.
What occupations did Cain and
Abel follow? Gen 4:2.
3.
What offerings did Cain and
Abel make to God, and with what
result? Gen. 4:3-7.
NOTE.-"Cain
had the same opportunity
of learning and accepting these truths as
had Abel. He was not the victim of an
arbitrary purpose. One brother was not
elected to be accepted of God, and the other
to be rejected. Abel chose faith and obedi-
ence; Cain, unbelief and rebellion. Here the
whole matter rested.
"Cain and Abel represent two classes
that will exist in the world till the close of
time. One class avail themselves of the
appointed sacrifice for sin; the other ven-
ture to depend upon their own merits;
theirs is a sacrifice without the virtue of
divine mediation, and thus it is not able
to bring man into favor with God. It is
only through the merits of Jesus that our
transgressions can be
pardoned."-Patri-
archs and Prophets,
pages 72, 73.
4.
What acts separated Cain from
God, and who in his place became the
progenitor of the Messiah? Gen. 4:8-
13; 5:1-3; 1 Chron. 1:1; Luke 3:38.
NoTE.-"Cain's 'works were evil and his
brother's righteous' (1 John 3:12). That is
7
why Cain killed his brother. Enmity be-
tween good and evil, predicted by God
before the expulsion from the garden, was
seen now for the first time in its most
horrible form. Twice in this verse the words
'his brother' are added to the name of Abel
to bring out clearly the horror of Cain's
sin. In him the seed of the woman had
already become the seed of the serpent.
Cain's crime revealed the true nature of
Satan as 'a murderer from the beginning'
(John 8:44). Already there had sprung up
that contrast of two distinct 'seeds' within
the human race, a contrast that runs
through the entire history of mankind."—
The Seventh-day Adventist' Bible Commen-
tary,
on Gen. 4:8.
Samuel and the Sons of Eli
5.
Describe the circumstances of
Samuel's dedication to the Lord.
1 Sam. 1:26-28; 2:11, 18, 20, 26.
NOTE.—"All are given an opportunity to
develop character. All may fill their ap-
pointed places in God's great plan. The
Lord accepted Samuel from his very child-
hood, because his heart was pure. He was
given to God, a consecrated offering, and
the Lord made him a channel of light. If
the youth of today will consecrate them-
selves as did Samuel, the Lord will accept
them and use them in His work. Of their
life they may be able to say with the
psalmist, '0 God, Thou hast taught me
from my youth: and hitherto have I de-
clared Thy wondrous works.' Psalm 71:17."
—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Stu-
dents,
page 537.
6.
What particular event shows
Samuel's eagerness to obey both hu-
man and divine authority, and what
was the result? 1 Sam. 3:8-10, 19, 20.
NOTE.—"Since it was
a new
experience
for young Samuel, the Lord graciously
manifested His presence in some definite
way not described in detail. Ere a word
was spoken, both the old priest and his
young assistant had ample proof of the
presence of a supernatural power, and like
children instructed by their parents, both
were brought by the Holy Spirit to the
place where they were willing to listen and
obey. Such would not have been true had
the word of the Lord come to such as
Hophni!"—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bi-
ble Commentary,
on 1 Sam. 3:10.
7.
What important vision did God
entrust to young Samuel? 1 Sam.
3:11-14.
NOTE.—"Another warning was to be
given to Eli's house. God could not com-
municate with the high priest and his son;
their
sins,
like a thick cloud, had shut out
the presence of His Holy Spirit. But in the
midst of evil the the child Samuel remained
true to Heaven, and the message of con-
demnation to the house of Eli was Samuel's
commission as a prophet of the Most High.
. . . The Lord had passed by His chosen
servant, the man of hoary hairs, to com-
mune with a child. This in itself was a
bitter yet deserved rebuke to Eli and his
house."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 581.
8.
How are the characters of the
sons of Eli described? 1 Sam. 2:12, 17.
9.
To whom was the first warning
of their evil characters given, and
what consequences of the mounting
iniquity were predicted? 1 Sam. 2:
29-36.
NOTE.—"God held Eli, as a priest and
judge of Israel, accountable for the moral
and religious standing of his people, and in
a special sense for the character of his sons.
He should first have attempted to restrain
evil by mild measures; but if these did not
avail, he should have subdued the wrong
by the severest means. He incurred the
Lord's displeasure by not reproving sin and
executing justice upon the sinner. He could
not be depended upon to keep Israel pure.
Those who have too little courage to re-
prove wrong, or who through indolence or
lack of interest make no earnest effort to
purify the family or the church of God, are
held accountable for the evil that may re-
[8]
suit from their neglect of duty. We are just
as responsible for evils that we might have
checked in others by exercise of parental or
pastoral authority as if the acts had been
our
own."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
578.
A King's Son and a Young King
10.
What judgment was pro-
nounced on King David for his sin?
2 Sam. 12:10.
NOTE.—"As David had dealt unto others,
so now he himself was to receive. The
floodgates of evil that David had opened
would engulf his posterity in misery and
woe."—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
on 2 Sam. 12:10.
11.
How are the appearance and
character of David's son Absalom de-
scribed? 2 Sam. 14:25, 30; 15:4, 6,
10-12.
NoTE.—"Such a strategem certainly
would secure action on the part of Joab,
but it would be resorted to only on the
part of an unscrupulous, irresponsible
character."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bi-
ble Commentary,
on 2 Sam. 14:30.
12.
What rebellious course did Ab-
salom pursue, and what were the
results? 2 Sam. 18:9, 10 15, 33.
NoTE.—"David had neglected the duty
of punishing the crime of Amnon, and be-
cause of the unfaithfulness of the king and
father and the impenitence of the son, the
Lord permitted events to take their natural
course, and did not restrain Absalom. When
parents or rulers neglect the duty of punish-
ing iniquity, God Himself will take the
case in hand. His restraining power will be
in a measure removed from the agencies of
evil, so that a train of circumstances will
arise which will punish sin with sin."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 728.
13.
What was the family heritage
of young King Josiah? 2 Kings 21:1,
2, 16, 19-22.
NOTE.—"Born of a wicked king, beset
with temptations to follow in his father's
steps, and with few counselors to encourage
him in the right way, Josiah nevertheless
was true to the God of Isreal. Warned by
the errors of past generations, he chose to
do right, instead of descending to the low
level of sin and degradation to which his
father and his grandfather had fallen. He
`turned not aside to the right hand or to the
left.'
"—Prophets and Kings,
page 384.
Set yourself a worthy goal,
Steadfast aim of your own
soul;
Make it your enduring
rule—
Always be at Sabbath school.
14.
Despite an unfavorable
herit-
age, what course did Josiah pursue?
2 Kings 22:1, 2, 11-13; 23:25.
NOTE.—"The emissaries consisted of a
number of Josiah's most trusted servants.
The king sensed the seriousness of the issues
at stake. Knowing how far the people had
wandered from the paths of righteousness
and to what extent they had forsaken the
Lord, he knew the extreme dangers that
faced the nation. He determined to do
everything in his power to save his people."
—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary,
on 2 Kings 22:13.
15.
What promise did God make to
the devoted young king? 2 Kings
22:19, 20.
NoTE.—"There are times when even
death is a blessing. In mercy God would
allow Josiah to go to his grave before Judah
was involved in final ruin. Josiah himself
was slain in battle (ch. 23:29), but his death
spared him from witnessing the terrible
[9
]
calamity a few years later."-The
Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on
2
Kings 22:20.
"Alas for the battle of Megiddo, and the
arrow that struck down the heroic reformer
while yet a young man! But, after all,
years are not for such as he; they live in
deeds and not in decades, and Josiah's life
was a long one,-already more than two
millenniums !"-Amos R. Wells,
Bible Min-
iatures,
page 156.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Will God overlook willful disobedience
and prevent the consequences because "I
am young only once"?
2.
As a parent, do I have the courage to
do my part to assist God to mold the
lives of my children?
3.
Does delinquency necessarily indicate
a "hopeless" character?
Lesson 3, for October 21, 1961
Triumph in the Supreme Test
MEMORY VERSE:
"And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven,
and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the
nations of the earth be blessed." Gen. 26:4.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 145-155; "The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; the "Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Dictionary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
0
Monday: Questions 4-6.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions
10, 11;
read
from Study Helps.
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps.
0
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Birth of Isaac Foretold
1.
Promise to the childless.
Gen. 15:1-6.
2.
Human intervention in a divine
plan. Gen. 16:1, 2, 11, 15.
3.
The promise renewed.
Gen. 17:15, 16.
II. The Child of Promise
4. The promise fulfilled. Gen. 21:1-3.
5.
Rejoicing in the miracle birth.
Gen. 21:5-8.
6.
Future predicted for both sons of
Abraham. Gen. 17:19-21.
III. The Supreme Test
7.
God's amazing command.
Gen. 22:1, 2.
8.
Abraham's response. Gen. 22:3.
9.
Isaac's attitude. Gen. 22:5-10.
10.
God's intervention. Gen. 22:11, 12.
11.
Blessing to father and son.
Gen. 22:15-18; 26:1-4, 12, 13.
THE LESSON
Introduction
of his background and attitudes is reward-
ing. A paradoxical truth stands forth from
The approach in this lesson to a familiar this supreme example of faith: Human
story is from the viewpoint of the son, who weakness becomes superhuman strength
was also tested personally. A careful search under God's control.
10
Birth of Isaac Foretold
1.
How did God respond to Abra-
ham's complaint about the lack of an
:heir? Gen. 15:1-6.
NOTE.—"Abram was a sinner and needed
redemption, as does every other human
being; but when righteousness was imputed
to him, mercy and grace were also extended,
effecting the pardon of his sin and bringing
the rewards of righteousness. Here for the
first time the full importance of faith is
brought to view. Here also, for the first
time, imputed righteousness is mentioned.
From this point onward both fundamental
concepts run through the Holy Scriptures,
to find exhaustive and masterful treatment
by the pen of the apostle Paul."—The
Sev-
enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on
Gen. 15:6.
2.
When the promise of an heir
was delayed, what action did Sarah
suggest? Gen. 16:1, 2, 11, 15.
NoTE.—"Abraham had accepted without
question the promise of a son, but he did
not wait for God to fulfill His word in His
own time and way. A delay was permitted,
to test his faith in the power of God; but
he failed to endure the trial. Thinking it
impossible that a child should be given her
in her old age, Sarah suggested, as a plan
by which the divine purpose might be ful-
filled, that one of her handmaids should
be taken by Abraham as a secondary wife.
Polygamy had become so widespread that
it had ceased to be regarded as a sin, but
it was no less a violation of the law of God,
and was fatal to the sacredness and peace
and the family relation. Abraham's marriage
with Hagar resulted in evil, not only to
his own household, but to future genera-
tions."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 145.
3.
How did God later further em-
phasize His promise? Gen 17:15, 16.
NOTE .—"Af ter the many years of waiting
Abraham was given definite instructions to
the effect that the promised seed would be
Sarah's child and not the child of Hagar."
—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary,
on Gen. 17:16.
"The object of Sabbath
school work should be the
ingathering of souls."—
Counsels on Sabbath School
Work,
page 61.
The Child of Promise
4.
How was the promise of a son
fulfilled? Gen. 21:1-3.
NorE.—"The birth of Isaac was -contrary
to the usual course of nature (Gal. 4: 23;
Heb. 11:11). From time to time in God's
dealings with the chosen people He gave
them miraculous evidences of His divine
power and leadership in order to inspire
them with confidence in Him (see John
15:11). These miracles reached a climax in
the great miracle of all time—the Incarna-
tion, perfect life, vicarious death, glorious
resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ."
—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary,
on Gen. 21:1.
5.
How did Sarah express her joy
over the miracle birth? Gen. 21:5-8.
NOTE.—"Sarah's laughter
a
year previ-
ously had reflected cynicism and incredulity,
but now she laughed for joy. The steadfast-
ness of Abraham and Sarah through what
seemed to them long, dark years of disap-
pointment and delay, was now rewarded.
To them the birth of Isaac meant the dawn
of a new day (see Ps. 30:5). It was the
`earnest,' or token, that the promise in its
entirety—the coming of the Messiah, the
gospel to all nations, and the eternal home
in Canaan—would eventually be realized."
—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary,
on Gen. 21:6.
6.
What future did God predict for
both Ishmael and Isaac? Gen. 17:
19-21.
The Supreme Test
7.
What command came to Abra-
ham regarding this son in whom so
much hope rested? Gen 22:1, 2.
NOTE.—"God had called Abraham to be
the father of the faithful, and his life was
to stand as an example of the faith to suc-
ceeding generations. But his faith had not
been perfect. He had shown distrust of God
in concealing the fact that Sarah was his
wife, and again in his marriage with Hagar.
That he might reach the highest standard,
God subjected him to another test, the
closest which man was ever called to en-
dure. In a vision of the night he was di-
rected to repair to the land of Moriah, and
there offer up his son as a burnt offering
upon a mountain that should be shown
him.
"At the time of receiving this command,
Abraham had reached the age of a hundred
and twenty years. He was regarded as an
old man, even in his generation. In his
earlier years he had been strong to endure
hardship and to brave danger, but now the
ardor of his youth had passed away. One in
the vigor of manhood may with courage
meet difficulties and afflictions that would
cause his heart to fail later in life, when
his feet are faltering toward the grave. But
God had reserved His last, most trying test
for Abraham until the burden of years was
heavy upon him, and he longed for rest
from anxiety and
toil."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 147.
8.
How promptly did Abraham
obey? Gen 22:3.
NoTE.—"Isaac was the light of his home,
the solace of his old age, above all else the
inheritor of the promised blessing. The loss
of such a son by accident or disease would
have been heart-rending to the fond father;
it would have bowed down his whitened
head with grief ; but he was commanded to
shed the blood of that son with his own
hand. It seemed to him a fearful impossi-
bility. . . .
"In his doubt and anguish he bowed
upon the earth, and prayed, as he had never
prayed before, for some confirmation of
the command if he must perform this ter-
rible duty. . . . But none came to his relief.
Darkness seemed to shut him in; but the
command of God was sounding in his ears,
`Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac,
whom thou lovest.' That command must
be obeyed, and he dared not delay. Day was
approaching, and he must be on his
jour-
ney."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 148.
9.
What factors show that Isaac
had learned both faith and obedience?
Gen. 22:5-10.
NOTE.—"At the appointed place they
built the altar and laid the wood upon it.
Then, with trembling voice, Abraham un-
folded to his son the divine message. It was
with terror and amazement that Isaac
learned his fate, but he offered no resistance.
He could have escaped his doom, had he
chosen to do so ; the grief-stricken old man,
exhausted with the struggle of those three
terrible days, could not have opposed the
will of the vigorous youth. But Isaac had
been trained from childhood to ready, trust-
ing obedience, and as the purpose of God
was opened before him, he yielded a willing
submission. He was a sharer in Abraham's
faith, and he felt that he was honored in
being called to give his life as an offering
to God. He tenderly seeks to lighten the
father's grief, and encourage his nervous
hands to bind the cords that confine him
to the
altar."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 152.
10.
How did God spare father and
son this supreme ordeal? Gen. 22:11,
12.
NOTE.—"Heavenly beings were witnesses
of the scene as the faith of Abraham and
the submission of Isaac were tested. The
trial was far more severe than that which
had been brought upon Adam. Compliance
with the prohibition laid upon our first
parents involved no suffering, but the com-
mand to Abraham demanded the most
agonizing sacrifice. All heaven beheld with.
L
12 ]
wonder and admiration Abraham's unfalter-
ing obedience. All heaven applauded his
fidelity. Satan's accusations were shown to
be false. God declared to His servant, Now
I know that thou fearest God [notwith-
standing Satan's charges], seeing thou hast
not withheld thy son, thine only son, from
Me.' God's covenant, confirmed to Abra-
ham by an oath before the intelligences of
other worlds, testified that obedience will be
rewarded."-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
155.
11.
How
was the special blessing
to Abraham later transferred to Isaac?
Gen. 22:15-18; 26:1-4, 12, 13.
NOTE.
-"The
promises made to Abraham
and confirmed to his son were held by
Isaac and Rebekah as the great object of
their desires and
hopes."-Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 177.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Was the test equal for both father and
son?
2.
If I feel weak and dependent, does it
mean that I would fail in a similar test?
3.
What can I do to have a faith that
will stand any test?
Lesson 4, for October 28, 1961
The Young Woman Who Became the Mother of Two Nations
MEMORY VERSE:
"That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that
our daughters may be as cornerstones, polished after the similitude of a pal-
ace." Ps. 144:12.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 171-176; "The Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; the "Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Dictionary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Monday: Questions 4-6.
Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9; begin read-
Friday: Review entire lesson.
ing Study Helps.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Journey to Nahor
1.
Abraham's concern regarding
Isaac's marriage. Gen. 24:1-9.
2.
Prayerful approach. Gen. 24:10-17.
3.
Courtesy and hospitality of
Rebekah. Gen. 24:18-27.
II. In the Family Home
4.
Reception of the guest.
Gen. 24:28-33.
5.
The message delivered.
Gen. 24:48, 49.
6. Rebekah's decision. Gen. 24:50-61.
III. A New Home Established
7. Place of meeting. Gen. 24:62, 63.
8. A union blessed of God.
Gen. 24:64-67.
9. Mother of two nations.
Gen. 25:21-23.
IV. Parental Counsel
10. Rebekah's anxiety. Gen 27:46.
11. Isaac's counsel to his son.
Gen. 28:1-5.
12. Similar circumstances of meeting.
Gen. 29:1, 2, 9-13, 18.
13. Jacob, the chosen. Gen. 28:11-15.
[13]
THE 'LESSON
2. What shows that Abraham made
a good choice in his emissary, and
how was the servant immediately re-
warded? 'Gen. 24:10-17.
Introduction
An interesting pattern of readiness to
do God's will may be discovered in the
story of Rebekah and her family. Though
human error mars the record, here is dem-
onstrated most graphically that it is the
trend in the life that counts. God gives
victory and fulfills His promises, when the
will is dedicated, though His children often
make it necessary for Him to accomplish
what they really desire by different provi-
dences. Here is strikingly portrayed the
hopeful aspect of salvation. Though inter-
mittent periods of apparent obedience to
God will suffice nothing, yet in the dedi-
cated life the way is ever upward and the
final victory sure.
The Journey to Nahor
1. What great concern did Abra-
ham express regarding the marriage
of Isaac? Gen 24:1-9.
Nora.—"The inhabitants of Canaan were
given to idolatry, and God had forbidden
intermarriage between His people and them,
knowing that such marriages would lead to
apostasy. The patriarch feared the effect of
the corrupting influences surrounding his
son. Abraham's habitual faith in God and
submission to His will were reflected in the
character of Isaac; but the young man's
affections were strong, and he was gentle
and yielding in disposition. If united with
one who did not fear God, he would be in
danger of sacrificing principle for the sake
of harmony. In the mind of Abraham the
choice of a wife for his son was a matter
of grave importance; he was anxious to
have him marry one who would not lead
him from God.
"In ancient times marriage engagements
were generally made by the parents, and
this was the custom among those who
worshiped God. None were required to
marry those whom they could not love;
but in the bestowal of their affections the
youth were guided by the judgment of
their experienced, God-fearing parents. It
was regarded as a dishonor to parents,
and even a crime, to pursue a course con-
trary to
this."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 171.
3.
How did Rebekah show cour-
tesy and hospitality? Gen 24:18-27.
NOTE.—"Hardly was the prayer uttered
before the answer was given. Among the
women who were gathered at the well, the
courteous manners of one attracted his at-
tention. As she came from the well, the
stranger went to meet her, asking for some
water from the pitcher upon her shoulder.
The request received a kindly answer, with
an offer to draw water for the camels also,
a service which it was customary even for
the daughters of princes to perform for
their father's flocks and herds. Thus the
desired sign was given. The maiden 'was
very fair to look upon,' and her ready
courtesy gave evidence of a kind heart, and
an active, energetic nature. Thus far the
divine hand had been with him. After
acknowledging her kindness by rich gifts,
the messanger asked her parentage, and on
learning that she was the daughter of
Bethuel, Abraham's nephew, 'he bowed
down his head and worshiped the Lord.' "
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages, 172, 173.
In the Family Home
4.
How was the guest received in
Rebekah's home? Gen. 24:28-33.
5.
After relating the providences of
his journey, what request did the ser-
vant make? Gen. 24:48, 49.
6.
What conversation ensued, and
how was the matter settled? Gen.
24:50-61.
114]
Nora.—"After the consent of the family
had been obtained, Rebekah herself was
consulted as to whether she would go to so
great a distance from her father's house,
to marry the son of Abraham. She believed,
from what had taken place, that God had
selected her to be Isaac's wife, and she said,
`I will go.'
"—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
173.
What is your Sabbath school
Investment project?
A New Home Established
7.
What was Isaac doing as Re-
bekah and the caravan approached?
Gen.
24:62, 63.
NOTE.—"Isaac may have been meditating
upon, or praying for, Eliezer's safe return
with his bride-to-be. He was, to be sure,
anticipating their imminent return from
Mesopotamia. His future happiness would
depend in large measure upon the kind of
wife Eliezer should bring back with him.
Appropriate indeed it would be for Isaac to
kneel and pray for the blessing of God
upon his new home! Those husbands and
wives whose union comes in answer to
prayer will prove to be the greatest blessing
to each other."—The
Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary,
on Gen. 24:63.
8.
What statement shows that the
marriage was successful? Gen. 24:
64-67.
NorE.—"What a contrast between the
course of Isaac and that pursued by the
youth of our time, even among professed
Christians! Young people too often feel
that the bestowal of their affections is a
matter in which self alone should be con-
sulted—a matter that neither God nor their
parents should in any wise control. Long
before they have reached manhood or
womanhood they think themselves compe-
tent to make their own choice, without the
aid of their parents. A few years of married
life are usually sufficient to show them
their error, but often too late to prevent
its baleful results. For the same lack of wis-
dom and self-control that dictated the
hasty choice is permitted to aggravate the
evil, until the marriage relation becomes a
galling yoke. Many have thus wrecked
their happiness in this life and their hope
of the life to come.
"If. there is any subject which should be
carefully considered and in which the coun-
sel of older and more experienced persons
should be sought, it is the subject of mar-
riage; if ever the Bible was needed as a
counselor, if ever divine guidance should
be sought in prayer, it is before taking .a
step that binds persons together for life."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 175.
9.
For what did Isaac entreat the
Lord? With what result? Gen. 25:
21-23.
NOTE.—"Like his father, Isaac was to
learn that children of the promise were not
to be simply the fruit of nature, but mani-
festly the gift of grace as well. When Isaac
and Rebekah had been married for 19 years
(vs. 20, 26), and were still childless, Isaac
made the matter a subject of prayer. . . .
His confidence in God was not exercised in
vain, nor did he have long to wait before
faith became fact."—The
Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary,
on Gen. 25:21.
Parental Counsel
10.
What great concern did Re-
bekah express for one of her sons?
Gen 27:46.
NOTE.—"Fathers and mother should feel
that a duty devolves upon them to guide
the affections of the youth, that they may
be placed upon those who will be suitable
companions. They should feel it a duty, by
their own teaching and example, with the
assisting grace of God, to so mold the
character of the children from their earliest
years that they will be pure and noble and
will be attracted to the good and true. Like
attracts like; like appreciates like. Let the
love for truth and purity and goodness be
[ 15 ]
early implanted in the soul, and the youth
will seek the society of those who possess
these characteristics."—Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
page 176.
11.
What counsel, spoken earlier
concerning himself, did Isaac repeat to
his son regarding a vital matter? Gen.
28:1-5.
NorE.—"The official family line was to
be perpetuated through Jacob. Conse-
quently, the blessings repeatedly promised
to Abraham were now committed to Jacob
(see chs. 17:2-8; 22:16-18). He left home
burdened with guilt, but also with his
father's blessing."—The
Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary,
on Gen. 28:4.
12.
In what way was Rachel's ex-
perience similar to that of Rebekah's?
Gen. 29:1, 2, 9-13, 18.
Nora.—"Apparently it was not the cus-
tom for young women to be kept at home
until the time of their marriage ap-
proached. Nor was it beneath the dignity of
girls from wealthy families to carry water
from the well, as Rebekah did, or to tend
sheep, as Rachel did in this instance. Honest
labor, far from being a discredit, is an
honor to both high and low. Every son and
daughter should learn that work is not
humiliating, but that it is a privilege to con-
tribute to the needs of the family."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on Gen. 29:9.
13.
How was God's promise to
Abraham and Isaac renewed to Re-
bekah's son? Gen. 28:11-15.
NOTE.—"Christ is the ladder that Jacob
saw, the base resting on the earth, and the
topmost round reaching to the gate of
heaven, to the very threshold of glory. If
that ladder had failed by a single step of
reaching the earth, we should have been
lost. But Christ reaches us where we are.
He took our nature and overcame, that we
through taking His nature might over-
come."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 311, 312.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Consider how different the story might
have been if human inclination alone had
been the guide in choosing a life companion.
2.
What gave Rebekah courage to leave
home and friends and go with a stranger
into a far country?
3.
When God delays, is it ever advisable
to take things into our own hands?
4.
Is it possible to know when we are
running ahead of God?
Lesson 5, for November 4, 1961
The Youthful Dreamer
MEMORY VERSE:
"And
we know that all things work together for good to them that
love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Rom. 8:28.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 209-240; "The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; the "Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Dictionary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Check Here
Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin read-
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
'
ing from Study Helps.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Monday: Questions 4-7.
Helps.
0
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
Friday:
Review entire lesson.
0
[16]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Early Life of Joseph
1.
His birth, parental partiality.
Gen. 30:25, 26; 33:1, 2; 37:3.
2.
Two similar dreams. Gen. 37:4-11.
3.
Hatred breeds a murderous plot.
Gen. 37:18-24, 26-28, 34-36.
II. Triumph in Bondage
4.
Responsibility and honor in Egypt.
Gen. 39:1-6.
5.
Temptation resisted. Gen. 39:7-12.
6.
In prison for righteousness.
Gen. 39:19-23.
7.
Restored to greater honor.
Gen. 41:37-44, 46.
III. The Dream Fulfilled
8.
The desperate mission of Joseph's
brothers. Gen. 41:54-57; 42:1, 2.
9.
Testing and remorse. Gen. 42:6-23.
10.
Joseph's real feelings. Gen. 42:24.
IV. Despair Gives Place to Joyful
Reunion
11.
The second visit. Gen. 43:8, 9, 16,
29-31.
12.
Further testing, and revelation.
Gen. 44:2, 12, 16; 45:1-11.
13.
Reunion of father and son.
Gen. 46:29, 30; 47:1, 2, 5, 7, 12.
14.
Complete forgiveness and recogni-
tion of God's leading. Gen. 50:15,
18-21.
THE LESSON
Introduction
How many times has the classic story of
Joseph been told and retold! How many
youth have gained from it courage to pick
up again the broken threads of life, faith to
see a glimmer of light in the utter darkness
of seemingly hopeless situations ! This is one
of the epic biographies of the word of God
that are timeless. Could the odds against an
inexperienced, overprotected youth have
been more fiercely arrayed? But it is a story
of uninterrupted victory in struggles that
originated from within and from without.
The high lights of the detailed account of
Joseph's life have been combined in this
lesson to show God's power in watching
over the fires of affliction and in bringing
triumph, regardless of the circumstances.
Early Life of Joseph
1. Where was Joseph born, and
what was the attitude of his parents
toward him? Gen. 30:25, 26; 33:1, 2;
37:3.
NOTE.—"Jacob unwisely manifested his
preference for Joseph, and this excited the
jealousy of his other sons. As Joseph wit-
nessed the evil conduct of his brothers, he
was greatly troubled; he ventured gently
to remonstrate with them, but only aroused
still further their hatred and resentment. He
could not endure to see them sinning against
God, and he laid the matter before his
father, hoping that his authority might
lead them to reform. . . .
"The father's injudicious gift to Joseph
of a costly coat, or tunic, such as was
usually worn by persons of distinction,
seemed to them another evidence of his
partiality, and excited a suspicion that he
intended to pass by his elder children, to
bestow the birthright upon the son of
Ra-
chel."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 209.
2. What incited the jealousy of
Joseph's brothers? What element in
two dreams that Joseph dreamed es-
pecially angered them? Gen. 37:4-11.
NOTE.—"As the lad stood before his
brothers, his beautiful countenance lighted
up with the Spirit of Inspiration, they
could not withhold their admiration; but
they did not choose to renounce their evil
ways, and they hated the purity that re-
proved their sins. The same spirit that
actuated Cain was kindling in their hearts."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 210.
[ 17
"One dollar now is of more
value to the work than ten
dollars will be at some fu-
ture
period."—Counsels on
Sabbath School Work,
page
134.
3.
What plot was devised, and how
was the plot changed into a lesser
tragedy, and with what results? Gen.
37:18-24, 26-28, 34-36.
Triumph in Bondage
4.
What honors came to Joseph in
bondage, and why? Gen. 39:1-6.
NOTE.—"The marked prosperity which
attended everything placed under Joseph's
care was not the result of a direct miracle;
but his industry, care, and energy were
crowned with the divine blessing. Joseph at-
tributed his success to the favor of God, and
even his idolatrous master accepted this
as the secret of his unparalleled prosperity.
Without steadfast, well-directed effort,
however, success could never have been
attained. God was glorified by the faith-
fulness of His servant. It was His purpose
that in purity and uprightness the believer
in God should appear in marked contrast
to the worshipers of idols—that thus the
light of heavenly grace might shine forth
amid the darkness of heathenism."—Patri-
archs
and Prophets,
pages 214, 217.
5.
How did Joseph show his firm-
ness in resisting temptation? Gen.
39:7-12.
NOTE.—"Joseph knew well what would
be the consequence of resistance. On the
one hand were concealment, favor, and
rewards; on the other, disgrace, imprison-
ment, perhaps death. His whole future life
depended upon the decision of the moment.
Would principle triumph? Would Joseph
still be true to God? With inexpressible
anxiety, angels looked upon the scene."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 217.
6.
What was Joseph's experience
as he suffered unjust punishment?
Gen. 39:19-23.
NoTE.—"But Joseph's real character
shines out, even in the darkness of the dun-
geon. He held fast his faith and patience;
his years of faithful service had been most
cruelly repaid, yet this did not render him
morose or distrustful. He had the peace that
comes from conscious innocence, and he
trusted his case with God. He did not brood
upon his own wrongs, but forgot his sor-
row in trying to lighten the sorrows of
others. He found a work to do, even in the
prison. God was preparing him, in the
school of affliction, for greater usefulness,
and he did not refuse the needful discipline."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 218.
7.
After interpreting a series of
dreams, with what higher position
and greater responsibility was Joseph
honored? Gen. 41:37-44, 46.
The Dream Fulfilled
8.
What caused Joseph's brothers
to visit Egypt? Gen. 41:54-57; 42:1, 2.
NOTE.—"Joseph's wisdom as an adminis-
trator now became apparent to all. If
anyone had had doubt as to his policy of
hoarding tremendous quantities of grain
year after year, none questioned the pru-
dence of the policy now. What would
Pharaoh, a foreign ruler, have done with a
famishing population? How could he have
averted the overthrow of his own dynasty,
except for the forethought of Joseph? This
young Hebrew, a former house slave, had
become the savior of the throne, of all
Egypt, and of surrounding nations as well."
—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary,
on Gen. 41:56.
[18
7
9.
As Joseph saw the dream of his
youth being fulfilled, how did he
prove his brothers? How did they
express remorse for their evil deed?
Gen. 42:6-23.
NOTE.—"During the years since Joseph
had been separated from his brothers, these
sons of Jacob had changed in character.
Envious, turbulent, deceptive, cruel, and
revengeful they had been; but now, when
tested by adversity, they were shown to be
unselfish, true to one another, devoted to
their father, and, themselves middle-aged
men, subject to his
authority."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 225.
10.
What revealed Joseph's real
feelings toward his brothers? Gen.
42:24.
Despair Gives Place
-
to Joyful Reunion
11.
On the occasion of the brothers'
second visit, how did Joseph receive
them, and how did he conceal his
inner emotions? Gen 43:8, 9, 16,
29-31.
12.
After further testing his broth-
ers, how did Joseph show his gracious,
forgiving spirit? Gen. 44:2, 12, 16;
45:1-11.
13.
Upon the arrival of his aged
father, in what ways did Joseph honor
him? Gen. 46:29, 30; 47:1, 2, 5, 7, 12.
NOTE.—"Upon reaching Egypt the com-
pany proceeded directly to the land of
Goshen. Thither came Joseph in his char-
iot of state, attended by a princely retinue.
The splendor of his surroundings and the
dignity of his position were alike forgotten;
one thought alone filled his mind, one long-
ing thrilled his heart. As he beheld the
travelers approaching, the love whose
yearnings had for so many long years been
repressed, would no longer be controlled. He
sprang from his chariot and hastened for-
ward to bid his father welcome. 'And he
fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a
good while. And Israel said unto Joseph,
Now let me die, since I have seen thy face,
because thou art yet alive.' . . .
"Not long after their arrival Joseph
brought his father also to be presented to
the king. The patriarch was a stranger in
royal courts; but amid the sublime scenes
of nature he had communed with a might-
ier Monarch; and now, in conscious super-
iority, he raised his hands and blessed
Pharaoh."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
233.
14.
Following the death of Jacob,
how did Joseph show forgiving love
for his brothers and his understanding
of God's providences? Gen. 50:15,
18-21.
NOTE.—"The life of Joseph illustrates
the life of Christ. It was envy that moved
the brothers of Joseph to sell him as a
slave; they hoped to prevent him from
becoming greater than themselves. And
when he was carried to Egypt, they flat-
tered themselves that they were to be no
more troubled with his dreams, that they
had removed all possibility of their fulfill-
ment. But their own course was overruled
by God to bring about the very event that
they designed to hinder. So the Jewish
priests and elders were jealous of Christ,
fearing that He would attract the attention
of the people from them. They put Him to
death, to prevent Him from becoming king,
but they were thus bringing about this very
result."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 239.
Questions for Meditation
1.
How does parental indulgence or par-
tiality make it necessary for God at times
to use seemingly harsh means in shaping
youthful character?
2.
Though in a worldly environment,
what makes the difference between success
and failure in a Christian life?
3.
Am I conscious of God's overruling
power for good in the misfortunes that
befall me?
[19
7
Lesson 6, for November 11, 1961
A Youth Chosen for Great Leadership
MEMORY VERSE:
"He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judg-
ment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He." Deut. 32:4.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 241-272, 411-421; "The Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; the "Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Dictionary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin read-
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
ing from Study Helps.
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
Monday: Questions 4-6; read fur-
Friday: Finish reading Study Helps;
ther from Study Helps.
review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Cry of Oppression
1.
Moses' birth and adoption.
Ex. 2:1-10.
2.
His impulsive deed. Ex. 2:11-22.
3.
God hears Israel's cry. Ex. 2:23-25.
II. The Call to Leadership
4.
The burning bush. Ex. 3:1-4.
5.
God's call. Ex. 3:5, 6, 10.
6.
Moses' doubts and fears.
Ex. 3:11-22 ; 4:1-17.
III. Acceptance of God's Call
7.
Preliminary events.
Ex. 4:18-21, 27-31.
8.
Moses faces Pharaoh. Ex. 5:1, 22, 23.
9.
Repeated appeals rejected. Ex. 6:11,
29, last part; 9:1, 13 ; 10:1.
10.
Deliverance. Ex. 15:1-18.
IV. God's Lessons Learned
11.
Special honor. Ex. 19:20;
31:18; 34:1, 2, 27-30.
12.
Disobedience meets punishment.
Num. 20:10-12 ; 27:12-14.
13.
Resignation and victory.
Num. 27:15-23.
14.
The greatest prophet. Deut. 34:1-6,
10; Matt. 17:1-3 ; Heb. 3:1, 2 ;
11:24, 25.
THE LESSON
tions of their bondage to a heathen nation
were reflected in great, agonizing cries to
God. Such circumstances do not readily
develop great leaders, but from these for-
bidding circumstances God brought forth
the greatest earthly leader of all time. Thus
we have recorded for our study, our en-
couragement, and our profit a most out-
standing demonstration of the fact that
neither environment nor human character-
istics can prevent God from accomplishing
mighty things through a submissive human
instrument.
r.
20 ]
Introduction
In Egypt, the land to which they had
come and in which they had made their
home through such a strange turn of events,
the children of Israel prospered and multi-
plied, "and the land was filled with them."
Ex. 1:7. The generation of Jacob's sons
passed on, and with the coming of new
generations a new king arose to power
"which knew not Joseph." Verse 8. He
looked upon the nation of Israel as a
threat, and enslaved them. The cruel afflic-
The Cry of Oppression
1.
Describe the circumstances sur-
rounding Moses' birth, protection,
and early training. Ex. 2:1-10.
NOTE.—"Let every mother feel that her
moments are priceless; her work will be
tested in the solemn day of accounts. Then
it will be found that many of the failures
and crimes of men and women have re-
sulted from the ignorance and neglect of
those whose duty it was to guide their
childish feet in the right way. Then it will
be found that many who have blessed the
world with the light of genius and truth
and holiness, owe the principles that were
the mainspring of their influence and success
to a praying, Christian
mother."—Patri-
archs and Prophets,
page 244.
2.
What impulsive act did Moses
commit, and how did it change the
course of his life? Ex. 2:11-22.
NOTE.—"In slaying the Egyptian, Moses
had fallen into the same error so often com-
mitted by his fathers, of taking into their
own hands the work that God had promised
to do. It was not God's will to deliver His
people by warfare, as Moses thought, but
by His own mighty power, that the glory
might be ascribed to Him alone. Yet even
this rash act was overruled by God to ac-
complish His purposes. Moses was not pre-
pared for his great work. He had yet to
learn the same lesson of faith that Abraham
and Jacob had been taught—not to rely
upon human strength or wisdom, but upon
the power of God for the fulfillment of His
promises."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
247.
3.
What was God's special concern
at this time? Ex. 2:23-25.
The Call to Leadership
4.
Through what supernatural
event did God reveal Himself to Mo-
ses? Ex. 3:1-4.
5.
How did God identify Himself,
and what call did He extend? Ex. 3:5,
6, 10.
NOTE.—"Humility and reverence should
characterize the deportment of all who
come into the presence of God. In the name
of Jesus we may come before Him with
confidence, but we must not approach Him
with the boldness of presumption, as though
He were on a level with ourselves. There are
those who address the great and all-power-
ful and holy God, who dwelleth in light
unapproachable, as they would address an
equal, or even an inferior. There are those
who conduct themselves in His house as
they would not presume to do in the
audience chamber of an earthly ruler. These
should remember that they are in His sight
whom seraphim adore, before whom angels
veil their
faces."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 252.
6.
How did the ensuing conversa-
tion reveal Moses' presistent doubts
and fears, and God's great forbear-
ance? Ex. 3:11-22; 4:1-17.
NOTE.—"A man will gain power and effi-
ciency as he accepts the responsibilities that
God places upon him, and with his whole
soul seeks to qualify himself to bear them
aright. However humble his position or
limited his ability, that man will attain true
greatness who, trusting to divine strength,
seeks to perform his work with fidelity.
Had Moses relied upon his own strength
and wisdom, and eagerly accepted the great
charge, he would have evinced his entire
unfitness for such a work. The fact that a
man feels his weakness is at least some
evidence that he realizes the magnitude of
the work appointed him, and that he will
make God his counselor and his strength."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 255.
Acceptance of God's Call
7.
Name the events preceding Mo-
ses' first appearance before the king
of Egypt. Ex. 4:18-21, 27-31.
[ 2
1 ]
8.
What complaint did Moses lodge
after his visit to Pharaoh served only
to increase Israel's afflictions? Ex. 5:1,
22, 23.
NOTE.—"Moses' words did not reflect a
spirit of displeasure or insubordination,
but of perplexity and inquiry. The question
and complaint proceeded from a faith that
could not understand the dealings of God.
At the same time he appealed for help in
this hour of need and for the removal of
what seemed contrary to God's nature
and His
will."—The Seventh-day Advent-
ist Bible Commentary,
on Ex. 5:22.
9.
What are the consequences of
repeated rejection of God's appeals?
Ex. 6:11, 29, last part; 9:1, 13; 10:1.
NoTE.—"The hardening of Pharaoh's
heart was in no way an act of God, but
rather a deliberate choice on his own part
(see PP 268). By repeated warnings and
displays of divine power God sent light
designed to point out to Pharaoh the error
of his ways, to soften and subdue his heart,
and to lead him to co-operate with His
will (see DA 322). But each successive
manifestation of divine power left him more
determined to do as he pleased. Refusing to
be corrected, he despised and rejected the
light, until he became insensitive to it, and
the light was finally withdrawn."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on Ex. 4:21.
10.
In what way was gratitude for
deliverance expressed? Ex. 15:1-18.
God's Lessons Learned
11.
What high honor was Moses
alone privileged to receive? Ex. 19:20;
31:18; 34:1, 2, 27-30.
NOTE.—"While Moses was in the mount,
God presented to him, not only the tables
of the law, but also the plan of salvation.
He saw that the sacrifice of Christ was pre-
figured by all the types and symbols of the
Jewish age; and it was the heavenly light
streaming from Calvary, no less than the
glory of the law of God, that shed such a
radiance upon the face of Moses. That
divine illumination symbolized the glory of
the dispensation of which Moses was the
visible mediator, a representative of the one
true Intercessor."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 330.
You need the Sabbath school
and the Sabbath school needs
you.
12.
How did God deal with His
chosen leader because of his disobe•
dient act? Num. 20:10-12; 27:12-14.
NOTE.—"Moses was not guilty of a great
crime, as men would view the matter; his
sin was one of common occurrence. The
psalmist says that 'he spake unadvisedly
with his lips.' Psalm 106:33. To human
judgment this may seem a light thing;
but if God dealt so severely with this sin in
His most faithful and honored servant, He
will not excuse it in others. The spirit of
self-exaltation, the disposition to censure
our brethren, is displeasing to God. Those
who indulge in these evils cast doubt upon
the work of God, and give the skeptical an
excuse for their unbelief. The more impor-
tant one's position, and the greater his in-
fluence, the greater is the necessity that he
should cultivate patience and humility."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 420.
13.
How did Moses show his spirit
of submission to God's justice and re-
veal his own personal victory? Num.
27:15-23.
NOTE.—"He [Moses] knew that he must
die. Yet he had not for a moment faltered
in his care for Israel. He had faithfully
sought to prepare the congregation to
enter upon the promised inheritance. . . .
[ 22 ]
The work of Moses as leader of Israel was
ended. Still he forgot himself in his interest
for his people. . . .
"The severest trial was his separation
from the people of his care and love—the
people with whom his interest and his life
had so long been united. But he had learned
to trust in God, and with unquestioning
faith he committed himself and his people
to His love and
mercy."—Patriarchs and
Phophets,
pages 469-471.
14. How did God honor Moses at
the close of his life, and subsequent to
his death? Deut. 34:1-6, 10; Matt.
17:1-3; Heb. 3:1, 2; 11:24, 25. Com-
pare Jude 9.
NoTE.—"Upon the mount of transfigura-
tion Moses was present with Elijah, who
had been translated. They were sent as
bearers of light and glory from the Father
to His Son. And thus the prayer of Moses,
uttered so many centuries before, was at
last fulfilled. He stood upon 'the goodly
mountain,' within the heritage of his people,
bearing witness to Him in whom all the
promises to Israel centered. Such is the last
scene revealed to mortal vision in the his-
tory of that man so highly honored of
Heaven."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
479.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Do I consult my doubts and fears even
when I know the way of faith?
2.
Would I have chosen Moses in his
youth as a potentially great leader?
3.
Does my attitude toward my mistakes
lead me to continuous victory?
Lesson 7, for November 18, 1961
The Youth Who Wanted His Own Way
MEMORY VERSE:
"Rejoice,
0
young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee
in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight
of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into
judgment." Eccl. 11:9.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 560-568; "The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; the "Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Dictionary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10; begin
reading from Study Helps.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Samson Chosen as Israel's Deliverer
1.
Reason for bondage. Judges 13:1.
2.
Announcement of a deliverer.
Judges 13:2-5.
3.
Anxiety of parents. Judges 13:8-14.
4.
The promise fulfilled.
Judges 13:24, 25.
II. Spiritual Immaturity
5.
Demand for a wife. Judges 14:1-3.
6.
God's overruling purpose.
Judges 14:4.
7.
The wedding feast. Judges 14:5-14.
[ 23
Ill. The Fruit of Self-Gratification
8.
Trouble begins promptly.
Judges 14:15-18.
9.
Revenge and loss. Judges 14:19, 20;
15:1, 2.
10.
Destruction. Judges 15:3-8.
IV. The Tragic Finale
11.
Israel deserts its leader.
Judges 15:9-16.
12.
The deceitfulness of sin. Judges 16:
1-5, 16, 17, 20, last sentence.
13.
Capture, mockery, and death.
Judges 16:21-31.
THE LESSON
Introduction
One of the saddest examples in all the
Bible of failure to achieve God's purposes
is the tragic story of Samson. Before he was
born, Christ Himself personally visited Sam-
son's parents. (See
The Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary,
Ellen G. White
Comments, on Judges 13:2-23, vol. 2, p.
1006.)
"God's providential care had been over
Samson, that he might be prepared to ac-
complish the work which he was called to
do. At the very outset of life he was sur-
rounded with favorable conditions for phys-
ical strength, intellectual vigor, and moral
purity. But under the influence of wicked
associates he let go that hold upon God
which is man's only safeguard, and he was
swept away by the tide of evil. Those who
in the way of duty are brought into trial
may be sure that God will preserve them;
but if men willfully place themselves under
the power of temptation, they will fall,
sooner or
later."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 568.
Samson might have won a great personal
and national victory, bringing glory and
honor to God's name; instead, he fulfilled
his mission finally in "defeat, bondage, and
death."—Ibid., p. 567. The story of the
youth who had great physical strength, but
chose his own way and thus dwarfed his
soul, remains forever a poignant revelation
of the love of God that will not force the
good way of life upon one who persists in
choosing the way of many sorrows.
Samson Chosen as
Israel's Deliverer
1. What was the cause of Israel's
forty-year bondage to the Philistines?
Judges 13:1.
NOTE.—"As His people returned to their
evil ways, the Lord permitted them to be
still oppressed by their powerful enemies,
the Philistines. For many years they were
constantly harassed, and at times com-
pletely subjugated, by this cruel and war-
like nation. They had mingled with these
idolaters, uniting with them in pleasure and
in worship, until they seemed to be one
with them in spirit and interest. Then these
professed friends of Israel became their
bitterest enemies, and sought by every
means to accomplish their destruction."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 558, 559.
2.
Through whom did God prom-
ise to begin to deliver His people?
What was to be the symbol of the
deliverer's dedication? Judges 13:2-5.
NOTE.—"A person under the Nazirite vow
was not to cut his hair during the time of
the vow. When the vow expired, he was to
cut off all his hair and present it at the
tabernacle (Num. 6:18). The unshorn hair
of the Nazirite was the visible token of his
consecration, reminding both himself and
the people of the sacred vows he had as-
sumed. The long hair was thus the mark of
the Nazirite as the linen garment was of the
Levite."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
on Judges 13:5.
3.
What revealed the attitude of
the parents-to-be? Judges 13:8-14.
NoTE.—"The inquiry of every father and
mother should be, 'What shall we do unto
the child that shall be born unto us?' The
effect of prenatal influences has been by
many lightly regarded; but the instruction
[ 24 ]
sent from heaven to those Hebrew parents,
and twice repeated in the most explicit and
solemn manner, shows how this matter is
looked upon by our Creator.
"And it was not enough that the prom-
ised child should receive a good legacy from
the parents. This must be followed by care-
ful training and the formation of right hab-
its. God directed that the future judge and
deliverer of Israel should be trained to strict
temperance from infancy. He was to be a
Nazarite from his birth, thus being placed
under a perpetual prohibition against the
use of wine or strong drink. The lessons of
temperance, self-denial, and self-control are
to be taught to children even from baby-
hood."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 561,
562.
4.
What evidences of the child's
calling were early seen? Judges 13:
24, 25.
Spiritual Immaturity
5.
During his youth what attitude
revealed Samson's lack of spiritual
growth? How did he show a petulant
desire to please himself? Judges 14:
1-3.
NOTE.—"Had Samson obeyed the divine
commands as faithfully as his parents had
done, his would have been a nobler and
happier destiny. But association with idola-
ters corrupted him. . . . Thus in his youth
intimacies sprang up, the influence of which
darkened his whole life. . . .
"Just as he was entering upon manhood,
the time when he must execute his divine
mission—the time above all others when he
should have been true to God—Samson
connected himself with the enemies of Is-
rael. He did not ask whether he could better
glorify God when united with the object of
his choice, or whether he was placing him-
self in a position where he could not fulfill
the purpose to be accomplished by his life.
To all who seek first to honor Him, God
has promised wisdom ; but there is no
promise to those who are bent upon self-
pleasing."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages
562, 563.
How many Branch Sabbath
Schools does your Sabbath
school operate?
6.
How did God overrule Samson's
disobedience? Judges 14:4.
NOTE.—"An
occasion.
Literally, 'a meet-
ing,' that is, perhaps an opportunity to pro-
voke hostilities. It may be that Samson had
neglected to take up his life assignment
when the proper time came, and some
event was needed to stir him to activity.
God used the incidents connected with the
marriage as the 'occasion.'
"—The Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on
Judges 14:4.
Although it is evident that God can use
both good and bad people and deeds to
promote His purposes, we must ever re-
member that for our individual good and
happiness we must always follow the plain
instruction of the Lord.
"Unless you would have a home where
the shadows are never lifted, do not unite
yourself with one who is an enemy of God."
—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 363.
7.
At the wedding feast, what rid-
dle did Samson propose? Judges 14:
5-14.
The Fruit of Self-Gratification
8.
How soon did marital troubles
begin, and what caused them? Judges
14:15-18.
NOTE.—"At his marriage feast Samson
was brought into familiar association with
those who hated the God of Israel. Who-
ever voluntarily enters into such relations
will feel it necessary to conform, to some
degree, to the habits and customs of his
companions. The time thus spent is worse
[2i
1
than wasted. Thoughts are entertained and
words are spoken that tend to break down
the strongholds of principle and to weaken
the citadel of the soul.
"The wife, to obtain whom Samson had
transgressed the command of God, proved
treacherous to her husband before the close
of the marriage
feast."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 563.
9.
What impulsive action did Sam-
son take, and what did he lose as a
result? Judges 14:19, 20; 15:1, 2.
NOTE.—"The experience of Samson indi-
cates that God does not immediately forsake
His servants when they fall into sin. He
may continue to bless their efforts, even
though they are living in conscious disre-
gard of some specific requirement of God.
Inasmuch as no one is without fault, God
would be unable to use human instru-
mentalities in His work, if He could bless
only the efforts of the sinless. Since this is
true, no one should interpret the blessings
of heaven as proof that God approves of all
his deeds."—The
Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary,
on Judges 14:20.
10.
Upon learning that his wife
had been given to another, how did
Samson give vent to his anger? Judges
15:3-8.
The Tragic Finale
11.
Despite Samson's failure, what
victory did God grant him over the
Philistines? Judges 15:9-16.
12.
What action on Samson's part
led to the withdrawal of God's bless-
ing? Judges 16:1-5, 16, 17, 20, last
sentence.
NOTE.—"Samson had many times vio-
lated his Nazirite vow by partaking of wine
(PP 565) and by defiling himself in other
ways, but in it all, by keeping his long hair,
he indicated at least some interest in main-
taining his consecration for God's service.
There was no virtue in the hair itself, but
since it was a token of his loyalty to God,
its sacrifice to the whim of a lawless woman
caused God to withdraw the gift of super-
natural strength. God had borne long with
Samson's folly, but now that he had broken
the vow in every way, the Lord withdrew
His blessing and protection."—The
Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on
Judges 16:20.
13.
Upon the withdrawal of God's
blessing and protection, what tragic
events followed? What indicates Sam-
son's final repentance? Judges 16:
21-31.
NOTE.—"In suffering and humiliation, a
sport for the Philistines, Samson learned
more of his own weakness than he had ever
known before; and his afflictions led him to
repentance. . . .
"God's promise that through Samson he
would 'begin to deliver Israel out of the
hand of the Philistines' was fulfilled; but
how dark and terrible the record of that
life which might have been a praise to God
and a glory to the nation ! Had Samson
been true to his divine calling, the purpose
of God could have been accomplished in his
honor and exaltation. But he yielded to
temptation and proved untrue to his trust,
and his mission was fulfilled in defeat,
bondage, and
death."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
pages 566, 567.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Should Israel have marshaled behind
their chosen leader, regardless of his per-
sonal life? Might his life have been different
had they done so?
2.
In what kind of circumstances did
Samson pray? Judges 15:18; 16:28.
3.
Do I understand and practice the
prayer life, or do I pray most fervently
when I am in difficulty?
4.
What is my spiritual development in
comparison with my age?
[26]
Lesson 8, for November 25, 1961
The Unforgettable Friendship
MEMORY VERSE:
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell
together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head: . . . as the
dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion."
Ps. 133:1-3.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 637-659; "The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; the "Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Dictionary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-9.
Tuesday: Questions 10-14.
Check Here
Wednesday: Begin reading Study
Helps.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Two Heroic Youths
1.
Jonathan's courage and reliance on
God. 1 Sam. 14:6, 23.
2.
David's first anointing.
1 Sam. 16:1, 11-13.
3.
Saul's love for David.
1 Sam. 16:18, 19, 21-23.
4.
David's character. 1 Sam. 17:15-20,
26, 31, 32, 37, 45, 47, 50.
II. No Greater Love
5.
Friendship begins in the king's
court. 1 Sam. 18:1, 3, 4.
6.
Responsibilities and jealousy.
1 Sam. 18:2, 5, 7-9, 11-13.
7.
David's behavior. 1 Sam. 18:14,
16, 18.
8.
The plot to
kill and the plan to
save. 1 Sam. 19:1-3.
9.
Jonathan's risk in David's behalf.'
1 Sam. 19:4-7.
Parting of the Ways
10.
A solemn covenant.
1 Sam. 20:1-3, 11-17.
11.
The king's wrath and warning.
1 Sam. 20:30-33, 42.
12.
David proves his worthiness.
1 Sam. 24:9-20; 26:7-11, 25.
13.
Last meeting with Jonathan.
1 Sam. 23:15-18.
14.
David's lament. 2 Sam. 1:11, 12,
19-27.
THE LESSON
Introduction
Friendship is one of heaven's greatest
blessings. Next to parents, no earthly in-
fluence upon one's life matches that of a
true friend. The classic story of David and
Jonathan reveals the basis of perfect friend-
ship. The intent of this lesson is to show the
lifelong influence of friendship formed be-
tween two kindred spirits under the guiding
hand of God. The choice of friends in one's
youth is a vitally important matter, but
two can love as did David and Jonathan
only when both love God first.
[ 27 ]
Two Heroic Youths
No Greater Love
1.
In what incident is Jonathan's
courage and reliance upon God first
revealed? 1 Sam. 14:6, 23.
NOTE.—"Here
is a noteworthy example
of divine power co-operating with human
effort. Jonathan longed for deliverance from
the incursions of the Philistines. Events of
the day leave no doubt but that his aspira-
tion was born of the Holy Spirit. Jonathan
saw the impulsive fit of depression that
afflicted his father, but this only inspired
him with greater confidence in the divine
Ruler, who had called Saul in the first
place. With every advance step Jonathan
felt a surge of power, born of faith, that
strengthened him for the next. That day he
was proving Jehovah to be a covenant-
keeping God—One who was able to make
the wrath of man to praise Him."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on 1 Sam. 14:23.
2.
To what responsible position
was David called? 1 Sam. 16:1, 11-13.
NOTE.—"The
great honor conferred upon
David did not serve to elate him. Notwith-
standing the high position which he was to
occupy, he quietly continued his employ-
ment, content to await the development of
the Lord's plans in His own time and way.
As humble and modest as before his
anointing, the shepherd boy returned to the
hills and watched and guarded his flocks as
tenderly as
ever."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 641.
3.
Having heard of David's valor,
wisdom, and musical ability, what did
King Saul request? 1 Sam. 16:18, 19,
21-23.
4.
Name the traits of David's char-
acter revealed in the following refer-
ences: 1 Sam. 17:15-20, 26, 31, 32, 37,
45, 47, 50.
5.
How is the depth of love ex-
perienced by David and Jonathan ex-
pressed? 1 Sam. 18:1, 3, 4.
NOTE.—"Jonathan,
by birth heir to the
throne, yet knowing himself set aside by
the divine decree; to his rival the most
tender and faithful of friends, shielding
David's life at the peril of his own; stead-
fast at his father's side through the dark
days of his declining power, and at his
side falling at the last—the name of Jona-
than is treasured in heaven, and it stands
on earth a witness to the existence and the
power of unselfish
love."—Education,
page
157.
6.
What honors were given David?
How was the tide of events turned,
and with what result? 1 Sam. 18:2, 5,
7-9, 11-13.
7.
How did David react to the try-
ing and dangerous situation? 1 Sam.
18:14, 16, 18.
NOTE.—"Through
years of waiting and
peril, David learned to find in God his com-
fort, his support, his life. He learned that
only by God's power could he come to the
throne; only in His wisdom could he rule
wisely. It was through the training in the
school of hardship and sorrow that David
was able to make the record—though after-
wards marred with his great sin—that he
`executed judgment and justice unto all his
people.' 2 Sam.
8:15."—Education,
page
152.
8.
What action did the king in
desperation take, and who stepped in
to help David? 1 Sam. 19:1-3.
NOTE.—"Adversity
proves the sincerity of
true friendship. Jonathan well knew that
David had no thought of usurping the
[ 28
throne, but was unable to convince Saul
of that fact. Jonathan's position was not
easy, for he would be in the role of op-
posing the desire of a tyrant, and would
be thought disloyal to his own father. How-
ever, as a true friend, Jonathan told David
the truth about Saul, not to frighten, but
to forewarn and assure him of a' true
friend's allegiance. This was a real test for
Jonathan. Jonathan had to decide between
loyalty to his father and loyalty to David.
It was impossible longer to be loyal to
both. He demonstrated good judgment by
conducting himself in such a way as to
retain influence over his father and yet at
the same time save David from certain
death."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
on 1 Sam. 19:3.
NHave you given your Birth-
day Thank Offering yet?
gin
9.
What risk did Jonathan take to
save David? 1 Sam. 19:4-7.
NOTE.—"Bound to his friend by ties even
closer than those of blood relationship,
with a love 'passing the love of women'
(2 Sam. 1:26), and knowing the innermost
thoughts of David's heart, Jonathan was
ideally fitted to mediate between him and
Saul. In Jonathan's plea to his father,
respect for authority and strict regard for
principle were both manifested. As Saul's
son, he knew the arguments that would
have the most weight with the king—
David's victory over Goliath and his con-
tinued, loyal service to the king personally
on all occasions."—The
Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary,
on 1 Sam. 19:4.
Parting of the Ways
10.
In what conversation is David's
innocence and the steadfast love be-
tween the two friends made plain?
1 Sam. 20:1-3, 11-17.
11.
During an outburst of rage
what particular point, intended to
impress Jonathan, did Saul make?
What was Jonathan's reaction? 1 Sam.
20:30-33, 42.
NOTE—"It was Saul's determination to
maintain his dynasty, regardless of any
question of right or wrong. In pursuing
this course Israel's king was following the
example of neighboring kings who held
their thrones by force and fought and died
to maintain their dynasties. Saul was un-
willing to acknowledge God as the supreme
ruler of Israel."—The
Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary,
on 1 Sam. 20:31.
12.
On two occasions how did Da-
vid show his nobility of character,
and what admission did his actions
evoke from Saul? 1 Sam. 24:9-20;
26:7-11, 25.
13.
What took place at the last
recorded meeting between Jonathan
and David? 1 Sam. 23:15-18.
NOTE.—"At this time, when there were
so few bright spots in the path of David,
he was rejoiced to receive an unexpected
visit from Jonathan, who had learned the
place of his refuge. Precious were the
moments which these two friends passed
in each other's society. They related their
varied experiences, and Jonathan strength-
ened the heart of David, saying, 'Fear not:
for the hand of Saul my father shall not
find thee; and thou shalt be king over
Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and
that also Saul my father knoweth.' As they
talked of the wonderful dealings of God
with David, the hunted fugitive was
greatly encouraged. 'And they two made a
covenant before the Lord: and David
abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to
his house.'
"—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 660.
14.
Upon news of Jonathan's tragic
death, how did David express his
grief? 2 Sam. 1:11, 12, 19-27.
r0.1EfOla
29
NOTE.—"In spite of Jonathan's friend-
ship with David, and Saul's rash attempts
at the life of his son, Jonathan had re-
mained with his father as a dutiful prince,
and was with him fighting the battles of the
realm when death overtook them both."—
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commen-
tary,
on 2 Sam. 1:23.
"Passing the love of women.
By this
touching expression David showed the
depth and sincerity of Jonathan's love.
Jonathan suffered the loss of crown and
kingdom because of his love for David.
"True love consists in thinking of others,
caring for others, and doing for others.
Selfishness consists in requiring of others
what one is unwilling to do himself. To
Jonathan, the friendship of David meant
more than fame and fortune."—Ibid., on
2 Sam. 1:26.
Questions for Meditation
1.
How well did Jonathan exemplify
loyalty to both parent and friend?
2.
Have I learned how to give myself
truly in friendship?
3.
Am I careful to choose my friends
from among those who love God above all?
4.
How far would I go to help a friend
in need?
Lesson 9, for December 2, 1961
The Youth Who Dared to Be Different
MEMORY VERSE:
"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever: for wisdom and
might are His: . . . He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them
that know understanding." Dan. 2:20, 21.
STUDY HELPS:
"Prophets and Kings," pages 479-502, 514-548; "The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; the "Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Dictionary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-8.
Tuesday: Questions 9-11; begin
reading from Study Helps.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12-14; read
from Study Helps.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Captivity Brings Problems
1.
The conqueror. Dan. 1:1, 2.
2.
The king's plan. Dan. 1:3-7.
3.
Daniel's decision. Dan. 1:8-14.
4.
His courage rewarded. Dan. 1:15-20.
II. In a King's Court
5.
Dreams and distress.
Dan. 2:1-6, 10-13.
6.
Daniel's faith. Dan. 2:16-23.
7.
His public witnessing.
Dan. 2:27, 28, first part.
8. Rewards and remembrance.
Dan. 2 :46-49.
III. Adviser to Kings
9. Further interpretations.
Dan. 4:18, 24-28; 5:17, 22, 23, 30.
10. Greater honors. Dan. 6:1-3, 28.
11. Intrigue and condemnation.
Dan. 6:4, 13-16, 19-22, 25, 26.
IV. An Honored Servant
12. Prophetic revelation.
Dan. 7:1; 8:1; 9:3, 16-18.
13. Heavenly ambassador. Dan. 8:16;
9:21-23 ; 10:11, 12, 14, 18, 19, 21.
14. Message of hope.
Dan. 2:44; 7:27; 12:1-3.
30
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Daniel" and "dare" have been synonyms
through the ages since this young man of
God risked everything for integrity. From
a human viewpoint, surely it was no more
pleasant for Daniel to be different from all
those with whom he was associated than
such a course is for youth today. Moreover,
we can only imagine the pressure to con-
form in Daniel's particular situation. But
Daniel's behavior shows that he had a fine
discernment between right and wrong that
allowed no compromise.
He did not choose
his environment,
but he did choose to obey
God regardless of the consequences. He thus
became the timeless example of what God
can do for any youth when simple faith
holds the life steadfast for God. As Daniel's
unquestioning obedience led through fear-
ful trial to victory after victory, he was
being prepared to receive fullness of ability,
wisdom, and honor, all gifts of God to a
youth who chose His way.
Captivity Brings Problems
1.
What circumstances brought
Daniel into captivity? Dan. 1:1, 2.
NoTE.—"Among those who maintained
their allegiance to God were Daniel and his
three companions—illustrious examples of
what men may become who unite with the
God of wisdom and power. From the com-
parative simplicity of their Jewish home,
these youth of royal line were taken to the
most magnificent of cities and into the court
of the world's greatest
monarch."—Prophets
and Kings,
page 480.
2.
What special plan, affecting some
of the captives, did Nebuchadnezzar
devise? Dan. 1:3-7.
3.
What decision did Daniel make,
and with what proposal did he meet
the opposition? Dan. 1:8-14.
NoTE.—"What if Daniel and his compan-
ions had made a compromise with those
heathen officers and had yielded to the pres-
sure of the occasion by eating and drinking
as was customary with the Babylonians?
That single instance of departure from prin-
ciple would have weakened their sense of
right and their abhorrence of wrong. In-
dulgence of appetite would have involved
the sacrifice of physical vigor, clearness of
intellect, and spiritual power. One wrong
step would probably have led to others,
until, their connection with Heaven being
severed, they would have been swept away
by temptation.
"God has said, 'Them that honor Me I
will honor' (1 Sam. 2:30). While Daniel
clung to his God with unwavering trust,
the Spirit of prophetic power came upon
him. While he was instructed of man in the
duties of court life, he was taught of God to
read the mysteries of future ages and to
present to coming generations, through fig-
ures and similitudes, the wonderful things
that would come to pass in the last days."
—The Sanctified Life,
1956 ed., pp. 23, 24.
4.
How was Daniel's courage re-
warded? Dan. 1:15-20.
In a King's Court
5.
What events caused the king to
decree the death of the wise men of
Babylon, including Daniel and his
companions? Dan. 2:1-6, 10-13.
NoTE.—"The Lord in His providence gave
Nebuchadnezzar this dream. God had a
message for the king of the Babylonian
realm. There were representatives in the
palaces of Nebuchadnezzar through whom
God could communicate a knowledge of
Himself. God is no respecter of men or of
nations. His object is to save as many as
are willing, of whatever tribe or nation. He
was as anxious to save the ancient Baby-
lonians as He was to save Israel."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on Dan. 2:1.
6.
By what procedure did Daniel
again reveal his courage, faith, and
gratitude? Dan. 2: 16-23.
181]
NOTE.—"Together they sought for wis-
dom from the Source of light and knowl-
edge. Their faith was strong in the con-
sciousness that God had placed them where
they were, that they were doing His work
and meeting the demands of duty. In times
of perplexity and danger they had always
turned to Him for guidance and protection,
and He had proved an ever-present help.
Now with contrition of heart they sub-
mitted themselves anew to the Judge of the
earth, pleading that He would grant them
deliverance in this their time of special
need. And they did not plead in vain. The
God whom they had honored, now honored
them. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon
them, and to Daniel, 'in a night vision,'
was revealed the king's dream and its mean-
ing.
"Daniel's first act was to thank God for
the revelation given
him."—Prophets and
Kings,
pages 493, 494.
"Every day some portion of
the time should be appro-
priated to the study of the
lessons."—Counsels on Sab-
bath School Work,
page 53.
wo.rayararp_rorg
7.
How did Daniel unreservedly
honor God before the king? Dan. 2:
27, 28, first part.
8.
What was the king's reaction to
the interpretation of his dream? What
request did Daniel make for his
friends? Dan. 2:46-49.
NOTE.—"Nebuchadnezzar was himself a
man of superior intelligence and wisdom,
as his provision for the professional training
of court officials (ch. 1:3, 4) and his ability
to evaluate their 'wisdom and understand-
ing' (vs. 18-20) make clear. Imperfect as
was Nebuchadnezzar's concept of the true
God, he now had irrefutable proof that
Daniel's God was infinitely wiser than either
the wise men or the god's of Babylon.
Later experiences were to convince King
Nebuchadnezzar with respect to additional
attributes of the God of heaven.. .
"Daniel did not become intoxicated by
the great honors that had been conferred
upon him. He remembered his comrades.
They had shared in the prayer (v. 18) ;
they shared also in the reward."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on Dan. 2:47, 49.
Adviser to Kings
9.
Under what other circumstances
did Daniel fearlessly interpret divine
messages to kings? Dan. 4:18, 24-28;
5:17, 22, 23, 30.
NoTE.—"Before that terror-stricken
throng, Daniel, unmoved by the promises
of the king, stood in the quiet dignity of a
servant of the Most High, not to speak
words of flattery, but to interpret a mes-
sage of
doom."—Prophets and Kings,
page
529.
10.
What was Darius's attitude to-
ward Daniel? Dan. 6:1-3, 28.
NOTE.—"This was not the first time that
royal observers had noticed a unique 'spirit'
in Daniel. . . . A brief acquaintance with
this elderly statesman, a survivor of the
golden age of imperial Babylonia, was suf-
ficient to convince Darius that Daniel
would be a wise choice as chief administra-
tor of the new empire and counselor of the
crown."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
on Dan. 6:3.
11.
How did intrigue bring great
trial to Daniel and provide him
another opportunity to glorify God?
Dan. 6:4, 13-16, 19-22, 25, 26.
NoTa.—"From the story of Daniel's de-
liverance we may learn that in seasons of
trial and gloom God's children should be
just what they were when their prospects
were bright with hope and their surround-
[ 32 ]
ings all that they could desire. Daniel in
the lions' den was the same Daniel who
stood before the king as chief among the
ministers of state and as a prophet of the
Most High. A man whose heart is stayed
upon God will be the same in the hour of
his greatest trial as he is in prosperity, when
the light and favor of God and of man
beam upon him. Faith reaches to the un-
seen, and grasps eternal
realities."—Proph-
ets and Kings,
page 545.
An Honored Servant
12.
For what important role did
God choose Daniel? Dan. 7:1; 8:1;
9:3, 16-18.
NorE.—"Daniel, the prime minister of
the greatest of earthly kingdoms, was at the
same time a prophet of God, receiving the
light of heavenly inspiration. A man of like
passions as ourselves, the pen of inspiration
describes him as without fault. His busi-
ness transactions, when subjected to the
closest scrutiny of his enemies, were found
to be without one flaw. He was an example
of what every businessman may become
when his heart is converted and consecrated,
and when his motives are right in the sight
of
God."—Prophets and Kings,
page 546.
13.
Who was God's special mes-
senger to Daniel, and for what pur-
pose was he sent to Daniel? Dan. 8:16;
9:21-23; 10:11, 12, 14, 18, 19, 21.
NOTE.—"The words of the angel, 'I am
Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God'
[Luke 1:19], show that he holds a position
of high honor in the heavenly courts. When
he came with a message to Daniel, he said,
`There is none that holdeth with me in
these things, but Michael [Christ] your
Prince.' Dan. 10:21. Of Gabriel the Saviour
speaks in the Revelation, saying that 'He
sent and signified it by His angel unto His
servant John.' Rev. 1:1. And to John the
angel declared, 'I am a fellow servant with
thee and with thy brethren the prophets.'
Rev. 22:9, R.V. Wonderful thought—that
the angel who stands next in honor to the
Son of God is the one chosen to open the
purposes of God to sinful men."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 99.
14.
How did Daniel express the
glorious message of hope for all chil-
dren of God to the end of time? Dan.
2:44; 7:27; 12:1-3.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Do I gain strength by consistently
basing my decisions on faith rather than
feeling, or do I weaken my character by
occasionally choosing the easy way?
2.
Is it necessary to completely overcome
fear of consequences in order to fully obey
God?
3.
How does wisdom differ from knowl-
edge? Does ability depend solely upon
heredity and environment, or are there
other factors?
Lesson 10, for December 9, 1961
From Persecutor to Apostle
MEMORY VERSE:
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height,
nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love
of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Rom. 8:38, 39.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 112-130; "The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; the "Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Dictionary."
[333
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-7; begin
reading from Study Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. God's Wondrous Ways
1.
The young religious zealot.
Acts 7:58-60; 8:1-3.
2.
Saul is changed.
Acts 9:3-6, 9, 13-16.
3.
His immediate response.
Acts 9:20, 22, 29.
4.
His deliverance never forgotten.
1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13, 15, 16;
1 Tim. 1:13, 15.
II. High Lights of Paul's Christian
Career
5. Preached Christ on Mars' Hill.
Acts 17:22-31.
6. Miracles associated with Paul's
ministry. Acts 14:8-10.
7. Persecution and hardship. Rom. 8:
18; 2 Cor. 4:17; 11:24-28, 30;
12:7-10.
III. Paul Trains a Co-Worker
8. Timothy as Paul's "son in the
faith." Acts 16:1-5.
9. Training through responsibility.
Phil. 2:19; 1 Thess. 3:2;
1 Tim. 1:1-3.
10. The mantle of leadership.
1 Tim. 1:18, 19; 2:1-6; 4:13-16.
IV. Legacy to the World
11. Life in Christ. Gal. 2:20.
12. Christian philosophy. Rom. 8:1-4;
12:1, 2 ; 1 Cor. 13; Phil. 4:13.
13. Triumphant finality. 2 Tim. 4:7, 8.
THE LESSON
ings in the word of God! How many lives
have been remade by the Spirit of God
speaking through this man whose life was
hid in Christ ! Yet in his youth he was
anti-Christian, intent upon destruction of
the very faith for which he was soon to
give all his ability and at last to yield his
life. In our restudy of this dynamic Chris-
tian personality we may gain new faith,
courage, and determination as we today
press on toward "the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus."
God's Wondrous Ways
1.
In connection with what event
is young Saul introduced? Acts 7:
58-60; 8:1-3.
2.
What were the circumstances of
his conversion? Acts 9:3-6, 9, 13-16.
[ 34
Introduction
When we contemplate the conversion of
Saul, we can only exclaim, in Paul's own
words, that God's judgments are "un-
searchable" and "His ways past finding
out!" Rom. 11:33. The barriers to this
young man's heart were the most formi-
dable: brilliance, position, fame, and worst
of all, fanatical religious intolerance based
on sincerity. The youth whom God chose
to be the greatest exponent of the Christian
faith in the early church was probably
regarded by the believers as the topmost
"impossible." Yet God saw something that
the eyes of man are not quick to discern,
and this merciless youthful religious zealot
became the greatest preacher of all time,
except Christ. How many volumes have
been written based upon his epistles ! How
many sermons have found their strength
in his writings! How many times have cen-
turies of everyday life re-echoed his phras-
NoTE.—"In that hour of heavenly illu-
mination Saul's mind acted with remark-
able rapidity. The prophetic records of
Holy Writ were opened to his understand-
ing. He saw that the rejection of Jesus by
the Jews, His crucifixion, resurrection, and
ascension, had been foretold by the proph-
ets and proved Him to be the promised
Messiah. Stephen's sermon at the time of
his martyrdom was brought forcibly to
Saul's mind, and he realized that the martyr
had indeed beheld 'the glory of God,'
when he said, 'Behold, I see the heavens
opened, and the Son of man standing on the
right hand of God.' Acts 7:55, 56. The
priests had pronounced these words blas-
phemy, but Saul now knew them to be
truth."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
115, 116.
3.
To what work did God call Saul,
and with what result? Acts 9:20, 22,
29.
NOTE.—"Paul had formerly been known
as a zealous defender of the Jewish religion
and an untiring persecutor of the followers
of Jesus. Courageous, independent, per-
severing, his talents and training would
have enabled him to serve in almost any
capacity. He could reason with extraordi-
nary clearness, and by his withering sar-
casm could place an opponent in no
enviable light. And now the Jews saw this
young man of unusual promise united
with those whom he formerly persecuted,
and fearlessly preaching in the name of
Jesus."—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 124.
4.
What expressions reveal that
Paul never forgot his past experience?
1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13, 15, 16; 1 Tim.
1:13, 15.
"Well, says one, the calls keep
coming to give to the cause.
I
am weary of giving. Are
you? Then let me ask, Are
you weary of receiving from
God's beneficent hand?"—
Counsels on Sabbath School
Work,
page 133.
6.
In what besides his preaching
was the power of God manifested in
Paul's ministry? Acts 14:8-10.
7.
How did Paul summarize the
hardships that befell him in the course
of his Christian ministry, and what
was his attitude toward them? Rom.
8:18; 2 Cor. 4:17; 11:24-28, 30; 12:
7-10.
NoTE.—"Ransomed by the sacrifice of
Christ, washed from sin in His blood, and
clothed in His righteousness, Paul has the
witness in himself that his soul is precious
in the sight of his Redeemer. His life is
hid with Christ in God, and he is persuaded
that He who has conquered death is able
to keep that which is committed to His
trust. His mind grasps the Saviour's prom-
ise, 'I will raise him up at the last day.'
John 6:40. His thoughts and hopes are
centered on the second coming of his Lord."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 512, 513.
Paul Trains a Co-Worker
High lights of Paul's
Christian Career
5. What illustration do we have of
Paul's taking advantage of every
opportunity to preach Christ? Acts
17:22-31.
8. What youth joined Paul in his
ministry? Acts 16:1-5.
NOTE.—"It was
at
Lystra that Paul had
been stoned, yet we find him again on the
scene of his former danger. He was anxious
to see how those who through his labors
[35]
had accepted the gospel were enduring the
test of trial. He was not disappointed, for
he found that the Lystrian believers had
remained firm in the face of violent op-
position.
"Here Paul again met Timothy, who had
witnessed his sufferings at the close of his
first visit to Lystra, and upon whose mind
the impression then made had deepened
with the passing of time until he was con-
vinced that it was his duty to give himself
fully to the work of the ministry. His
heart was knit with the heart of Paul, and
he longed to share the apostle's labors by
assisting as the way might open."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 202, 203.
9.
What responsibilities did Paul
give Timothy, and how did Paul ex-
press his confidence in the young
man? Phil. 2:19; 1 Thess. 3:2; 1 Tim.
1:1-3.
10.
Review some of the counsel
given Timothy, whom Paul was train-
ing to wear the mantle of Christian
leadership. 1 Tim. 1:18, 19; 2:1-6;
4:13-16.
NOTE.—"Paul and Timothy were bound
together by an affection unusually deep
and strong. Since his conversion, Timothy
had shared Paul's labors and sufferings,
and the friendship between the two had
grown stronger, deeper, and more sacred,
until all that a son could be to a loved and
honored father, Timothy was to the aged,
toil-worn apostle."—The
Acts of the Apos-
tles,
pages 498, 499.
Legacy to the World
11.
In what language did Paul de-
scribe the life of victory in Christ?
Gal. 2:20.
12.
In what familiar passages of
Scripture did Paul give expression to
his Christian faith? Rom. 8:1-4; 12:1,
2; 1 Cor. 13; Phil. 4:13.
NOTE.—"The principles that guided Paul
in his Christian life and warfare should be
the guiding principles for Christians today.
For those who wish to refresh their mem-
ories and dedicate themselves anew to the
application of these principles in their own
lives, here is a further list of familiar gems
from the writings of the great apostle: Gal.
6:9; Eph. 3:20; Col. 3:1-3; 1 Thess. 5:21;
2 Tim. 2:19.
13.
With what ring of triumphant
finality did Paul express his own
faith? 2 Tim. 4:7, 8.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Did Paul have any strength of char-
acter that is not possible for me?
2.
Is sincerity always a safe guide in
human behavior?
3.
How can repeated trials and continu-
ing joy be compatible in the Christian life?
4.
How much did Paul "give up" when
he became a Christian?
Lesson 11, for December 16, 1961
The Prodigal and His Brother
MEMORY VERSE: "I
say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one
sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which
need no repentance." Luke
15:7.
STUDY HELPS:
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 198-211 (chapter, "Lost,
and
k
Found"); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; the
"Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary."
[36]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-6; begin read-
ing from Study Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
0
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. A Youth Chooses the Wrong Way
1.
Parable answers an accusation.
Luke 15:2.
2.
Younger son's request.
Luke 15:11-13.
3.
Famine and awakening.
Luke 15:14-19.
II. Joy in the Prodigal's Return
4.
The father's greeting. Luke 15:20.
5.
True repentance. Luke 15:21.
6.
Reason for rejoicing.
Luke 15:22-24.
III. The Elder Son
7.
Elder son's inquiry. Luke 15:25-27.
8.
Another kind of wastefulness.
Luke 15:28-30.
9.
The father's reply. Luke 15:31, 32.
IV. The Christian Attitude
10.
Christ accused as "Friend of sin-
ners." Matt. 9:10-13 ; 11:19.
11.
Two classic examples.
Luke 7:37-48; John 8:1-7.
12.
The sinner's proper attitude.
Luke 18:9-14.
13.
Mission of the converted.
James 5:19, 20.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"This, perhaps the most famous of all the
parables of Jesus, consists of two parts.
The first part (vs. 11-24) emphasizes the
emotions of the father of the lost son, his
love for the boy, and his joy when the
prodigal returned. The second part (vs. 25-
32) is a rebuke to those who, like the elder
son, resented the father's love and joy. This
latter section was probably Christ's answer
to the murmuring of the scribes and Phar-
isees (see v. 2). Whereas the parables of
the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin stress
God's part in the work of redemption, the
parable of the Lost Son emphasizes man's
part in responding to the love of God and
acting in harmony with it. The Jews had
completely misconstrued the nature of di-
vine love. . . . In the parable the younger
son represents the publicans and the sin-
ners, the older son, the scribes and the
Pharisees."-The
Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary,
on Luke 15:11.
A Youth Chooses the Wrong Way
1. In the parable of the prodigal
son, what accusation did Christ an-
swer? Luke 15:2.
NOTE.
-"The
parables of the lost sheep,
the lost coin, and the prodigal son, bring
out in distinct lines God's pitying love for
those who are straying from Him. Although
they have turned away from God, He does
not leave them in their misery. He is full
of kindness and tender pity toward all who
are exposed to the temptations of the art-
ful foe.
"In the parable of the prodigal son is pre-
sented the Lord's dealing with those who
have once known the Father's love, but
who have allowed the tempter to lead them
captive at his
will."-Christ's Object Les-
sons,
page 198.
[37]
2.
In the parable, what request did
the younger of two sons make of his
father? Upon receiving his inherit-
ance, what did he do? Luke 15:11-13.
NOTE.—"The Bible tells of men who
`professing themselves to be wise' became
fools' (Rom. 1:22) ; and this is the history
of the young man of the parable. The
wealth which he has selfishly claimed from
his father he squanders upon harlots. The
treasure of his young manhood is wasted.
The precious years of life, the strength of
intellect, the bright visions of youth, the
spiritual aspirations—all are consumed in
the fires of
lust."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 199, 200.
3.
What circumstances brought
him to his senses, and what decision
did he make? Luke 15:14-19.
NOTE.—"What
a
picture here of the sin-
ner's state ! Although surrounded with the
blessings of His love, there is nothing that
the sinner, bent on self-indulgence and sin-
ful pleasure, desires so much as separation
from God. Like the ungrateful son, he
claims the good things of God as his by
right. He takes them as a matter of course,
and makes no return of gratitude, renders
no service of love. As Cain went out from
the presence of the Lord to seek his home;
as the prodigal wandered into the 'far
country,' so do sinners seek happiness in
forgetfulness of
God."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
page 200.
Joy in the Prodigal's Return
4.
When he returned home, how
was he greeted? Luke 15:20.
NoTE.—"The father will permit no con-
temptuous eye to mock at his son's misery
and tatters. He takes from his own shoul-
ders the broad, rich mantle, and wraps it
around the son's wasted form, and the
youth sobs out his repentance, saying, 'Fa-
ther, I have sinned against heaven, and in
thy sight, and am no more worthy to be
called thy son' The father holds him close
to his side, and brings him home. No
opportunity is given him to ask a servant's
place. He is a son, who shall be honored
with the best the house affords, and whom
the waiting men and women shall respect
and
serve."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages
203, 204.
5.
What revealed the son's sincere
repentance? Luke 15:21.
6.
How did the father further show
his joy, and what reason did he give
for his action? Luke 15:22-24.
NoTE.—"In his restless youth the prodi-
gal looked upon his father as stern and
severe. How different his conception of him
now So those who are deceived by Satan
look upon God as hard and exacting. They
regard Him as watching to denounce and
condemn, as unwilling to receive the sinner
so long as there is a legal excuse for not
helping him. His law they regard as a
restriction upon men's happiness, a burden-
some yoke from which they are glad to
escape. But he whose eyes have been opened
by the love of Christ will behold God as
full of compassion. He does not appear as a
tyrannical, relentless being, but as a father
longing to embrace his repenting son. The
sinner will exclaim with the psalmist, "Like
as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord
pitieth them that fear Him.' Ps. 103:13."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 204.
The Elder Son
7.
Who arrived on the scene, and
what did he wish to know? Luke 15:
25-27.
NoTE.—"In the parable nothing more is
said directly concerning the younger son.
His restoration is now complete, and the
lesson of the parable in so far as he is
concerned—the gracious welcome Heaven
accords the returning and repentant sinner
—is clear. Thus far Jesus has justified His
friendly attitude toward 'publicans and sin-
ners.' . . The remainder of the parable
(vs. 25-32) deals with the attitude of the
Pharisees and scribes toward 'sinners,' . . .
[ 38 ]
as represented by the attitude of the elder
brother toward the younger. This part of
the parable was set forth as a rebuke to
these self-righteuos hypocrites for their
`murmuring' at the way Jesus treated the
outcasts of society."—The
Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary,
on Luke 15:25.
8.
What complaint did the elder
brother lodge? Luke 15:28-30.
NoTE.—"This elder brother has not been
sharing in his father's anxiety and watching
for the one that was lost. He shares not,
therefore, in the father's joy at the wander-
er's return. The sounds of rejoicing kindle
no gladness in his heart. He inquires of a
servant the reason of the festivity, and the
answer excites his jealousy. He will not go
in to welcome his lost brother. The favor
shown the prodigal he regards as an in-
sult to himself."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 207.
9.
What poignant reply did the fa-
ther make? Luke 15:31, 32.
NoTE.—"In the parable the father's re-
monstrance with the elder son was Heav-
en's tender appeal to the Pharisees. 'All
that I have is thine'—not as wages, but as
a gift. Like the prodigal, you can receive
it only as the unmerited bestowal of the
Father's love.
"Self-righteousness not only leads men
to misrepresent God, but makes them cold-
hearted and critical toward their brethren."
—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 209, 210.
The Christian Attitude
10.
What did the Pharisees fail to
understand with respect to Christ's
mission? Matt. 9:10-13; 11:19.
NOTE.—"In stating the profound truth
of the purpose of His mission to earth
Christ revealed the hypocrisy and fallacy
of the Pharisees and their attitude toward
Christ's association with tax collectors. If
these men were such sinners as the Phari-
sees claimed, they must be in greater need
than other men. Were they not then the
very ones for whom Christ should put
forth His best efforts? He had come to
`save' men (Matt. 1:21), but if He were
able only to save those who were already
righteous, He could not be truly a Saviour.
The test of His mission as the Saviour of
men turned on the point of what He could
do for sinners."—The
Seventh-day Advent-
ist Bible Commentary,
on Mark 2:17.
"The Sabbath school should
be one of the greatest instru-
mentalities, and the most
effectual, in bringing souls
to
Christ."—Counsels on Sab-
bath School Work,
page 10.
11.
What two timeless examples
did Christ give to clarify His relation-
ship to sinners? Luke 7:37-48; John
8:1-7.
NoTE.—"It is not Christ's follower that,
with averted eyes, turns from the erring,
leaving them unhindered to pursue their
downward course. Those who are forward
in accusing others, and zealous in bringing
them to justice, are often in their own
lives more guilty than they. Men hate the
sinner, while they love the sin. Christ hates
the sin, but loves the sinner. This will be
the spirit of all who follow Him. Christian
love is slow to censure, quick to discern
penitence, ready to forgive, to encourage, to
set the wanderer in the path of holiness,
and to stay his feet therein."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 462.
12.
How did Christ further illus-
trate the principle of true repentance?
Luke 18:9-14.
NoTE.—"Justified.
That is, accepted by
God and declared righteous before Him.
The Pharisee thought himself righteous
(see v. 9), but God did not think so. The
publican knew himself to be a sinner
(see v. 13), and this realization opened the
way for God to pronounce him sinless—
[39
]
a sinner justified by divine mercy. . . . It
was the attitudes of the two men toward
themselves and toward God that made the
difference."-The
Seventh-day Adventist Bi-
ble Commentary,
on Luke 18:14.
13. What obligation and privilege
is associated with belief in Christ?
James 5:19, 20.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Am I ever guilty of squandering the
gifts of God?
2.
Am I ever guilty of a self-righteous
attitude?
3.
Why is it important to receive whole-
heartedly one who professes conversion?
Lesson 12, for December 23, 1961
A Youth Who Fulfilled His Mission
MEMORY VERSE:
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 97-113, 178-182, 214-225; "The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; the "Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Dictionary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-8.
Tuesday: Questions 9-12.
Check Here
Wednesday: Read from Study Helps.
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Birth and Childhood of
John the Baptist
1.
Prophecies of John the Baptist's
appearance. Isa. 40:3; Mal. 4:5;
Luke 1:5-17.
2.
His father prophesies.
Luke 1:67-70, 76-79.
3.
His childhood environment.
Luke 1:80.
II. Message of John the Baptist
4. Where he began preaching.
Matt. 3:1; Mark 1:4.
5.
Why he was great in the sight of
Heaven. Luke 1:14 ; Matt. 3:11, 12;
John 3:30.
6.
Nature of his message.
Matt. 3:1, 2, 7-10.
7.
"Behold the Lamb."
John 1:29, 35-37, 40, 41.
8.
Results of his work.
Matt. 3:5, 6; Mark 1:5.
III. His Mission Completed
9.
Baptism of Christ.
Matt. 3:13-15; Mark 1:9.
10.
Prison, doubts, accusation.
Matt. 11:2, 3.
11.
Christ's testimony.
Matt. 11:7-11, 14.
12.
End of a noble life. Matt. 14:1-10.
THE LESSON
The story of John the Baptist is an im-
pressive example of the ultimate in
self-discipline, unreserved dedication, and
complete acceptance of the will of God.
One spark of selfish desire cherished by
40 ]
Introduction
God chose a youth for the greatest task
ever assigned to a human being-intro-
ducing His Son as the Saviour of the world.
this chosen youth might have changed the
whole story. But it is evident that John
believed God does all things well, and he
thus made it possible for God to stamp him
as the greatest. Matt. 11:11;
The Desire of
Ages,
page 219. No higher honor in the
nature of his work or his personal status
could be bestowed upon a human being,
yet all this was given to one who lived
simply and was happy to serve in second
place.
Birth and Childhood of
John the Baptist
1.
In what prophecies was the com-
ing of John the Baptist foretold? Isa.
40:3; Mal. 4:5; Luke 1:5-17.
NOTE.—"God had called the son of Zach-
arias to a great work, the greatest ever
committed to men."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 100.
2.
Under inspiration what did
Zacharias declare concerning the mis-
sion of John the Baptist? Luke 1:
67-70, 76-79.
NOTE.—"The song of Zacharias is
priestly in tenor and appropriate to a son
of Aaron, as the song of Mary is regal
and appropriate to a daughter of David.
The phrases suggest that Zacharias had
spent the time preceding John's birth in
diligent study of what the prophets had
written of the Messiah and the work of
His forerunner."--The
Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary,
on Luke 1:67.
3.
In what environment did John
the Baptist grow up? Luke 1:80. Com-
pare Matt. 3:4; Mark 1:6.
NOTE.—"In the natural order of things,
the son of Zacharias would have been edu-
cated for the priesthood. But the training
of the rabbinical schools would have un-
fitted him for his work. God did not send
him to the teachers of theology to learn how
to interpret the Scriptures. He called him
to the desert, that he might learn of na-
ture and nature's God. . . .
"But the life of John was not spent
in idleness, in ascetic gloom, or in selfish
isolation. From time to time he went forth
to mingle with men; and he was ever an
interested observer of what was passing in
the world. From his quiet retreat he
watched the unfolding of events. With
vision illuminated by the divine Spirit he
studied the characters of men, that he
might understand how to reach their hearts
with the message of heaven. The burden of
his mission was upon him. In solitude, by
meditation and prayer, he sought to gird
up his soul for the lifework before him."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 101, 102.
Message of John the Baptist
4.
Where did John begin his
preaching? Matt. 3:1; Mark 1:4.
NOTE.—"Amid discord and strife, a voice
was heard from the wilderness, a voice star-
tling and stern, yet full of hope: 'Repent
ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'
With a new, strange power it moved the
people. Prophets had foretold the coming
of Christ as an event far in the future; but
here was an announcement that it was at
hand. John's singular appearance carried
the minds of his hearers back to the ancient
seers. In his manner and dress he resembled
the prophet Elijah. With the spirit and
power of Elijah he denounced the national
corruption, and rebuked the prevailing sins.
His words were plain, pointed, and con-
vincing. Many believed him to be one of
the prophets risen from the dead. The
whole nation was stirred. Multitudes
flocked to the wilderness."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 104.
5.
What principles of character
made John great in the estimation of
Heaven? Luke 1:14; Matt. 3:11, 12;
John 3:30.
NOTE.—"In the estimation of Heaven,
what is it that constitutes greatness? Not
that which the world accounts greatness;
not wealth, or rank, or noble descent, or
[ 41]
intellectual gifts, in themselves considered.
If intellectual greatness, apart from any
higher consideration, is worthy of honor,
then our homage is due to Satan, whose
intellectual power no man has ever equaled.
But when perverted to self-serving, the
greater the gift, the greater curse it becomes.
It is moral worth that God values. Love
and purity are the attributes He prizes
most. John was great in the sight of the
Lord, when, before the messengers from
the Sanhedrin, before the people, and be-
fore his own disciples, he refrained from
seeking honor for himself, but pointed all
to Jesus as the Promised One. His un-
selfish joy in the ministry of Christ pre-
sents the highest type of nobility ever
revealed in
man."—The Desire of Ages,
page 219.
6.
What was the message preached
by John? Matt. 3:1, 2, 7-10.
NOTE.—"John proclaimed the coming of
the Messiah, and called the people to re-
pentance. As a symbol of cleansing from
sin, he baptized them in the waters of the
Jordan. Thus by a significant object lesson
he declared that those who claimed to be
the chosen people of God were defiled by
sin, and that without purification of heart
and life they could have no part in the
Messiah's kingdom."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 104.
7.
To whom did John direct his
followers? What was an immediate
result of his testimony regarding
Christ? John 1:29, 35-37, 40, 41.
NoTE.—"John alone uses this designa-
tion for Christ, though Luke (Acts 8:32)
and Peter (1 Peter 1:19) have similar
comparisons (cf. Isa. 53:7). John the Bap-
tist introduced Jesus as 'the Lamb of God'
to John the evangelist (see on John 1:35,
36), and for the disciple this title must
have held deep significance. The figure,
which stresses Jesus' innocence and perfec-
tion of character, and thus the vicarious
nature of His sacrifice, . .. is reminiscent of
the paschal lamb of Egypt, which typified
deliverance from the bondage of sin. 'Christ
our Passover is sacrificed for us' (1 Cor.
5:7). By the figure of a lamb John identi-
fies the suffering Messiah as the one in
whom the sacrificial system of OT times
reaches reality and has meaning. In the
divine foreknowledge and purpose He was
`the Lamb slain from the foundation of the
world."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
on John 1:29.
"After the tithe is set apart,
let gifts and offerings be ap-
portioned, 'as God hath pros-
pered'
you."—Counsels on
Sabbath School Work,
page
130.
8.
What success attended John's
ministry? Matt. 3:5, 6; Mark 1:5.
NOTE.—"Princes and rabbis, soldiers,
publicans, and peasants came to hear the
prophet. For a time the solemn warning
from God alarmed them. Many were
brought to repentance, and received bap-
tism. Persons of all ranks submitted to the
requirement of the Baptist, in order to
participate in the kingdom he announced."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 105.
His Mission Completed
9.
What particular honor came to
John, and how did he relate himself
to it? Matt. 3:13-15; Mark 1:9.
NOTE.—"How could he, a sinner, baptize
the Sinless One? And why should He who
needed no repentance submit to a rite that
was a confession of guilt to be washed
away? . . .
"Jesus did not receive baptism as a con-
fession of guilt on His own account. He
identified Himself with sinners, taking the
steps that we are to take, and doing the
work that we must do. His life of suffering
and patient endurance after His baptism
was also an example to
us."—The Desire
of Ages,
pages 110, 111.
[ 42 ]
10.
In prison, what question did
John ask? Matt. 11:2, 3.
NoTE.—"Like the Saviour's disciples,
John the Baptist did not understand the
nature of Christ's kingdom. He expected
Jesus to take the thi-one of David; and as
time passed, and the Saviour made no
claim to kingly authority, John became
perplexed and troubled. . .
"But the Baptist did not surrender his
faith in Christ. The memory of the voice
from heaven and the descending dove, the
spotless purity of Jesus, the power of the
Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as
he came into the Saviour's presence, and
the testimony of the prophetic scriptures—
all witnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was
the Promised One."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 215, 216.
11.
What exalted testimony did
Christ
give
concerning John the Bap-
tist? Matt. 11:7-11, 14.
12.
His mission completed, how
did John's noble life end? Matt. 14:
1-10.
NOTE.—"Jesus did not interpose to de-
liver His servant. He knew that John would
beer the test. Gladly would the Saviour
have come to John, to brighten the dun-
geon with His own presence. But He was
not to place Himself in the hands of ene-
mies and imperil His own mission. Gladly
would He have delivered His faithful serv-
ant. But for the sake of thousands who in
after years must pass from prison to death,
John was to drink the cup of martyrdom.
As the followers of Jesus should languish
in lonely cells, or perish by the sword, the
rack, or the fagot, apparently forsaken by
God and man, what a stay to their hearts
would be the thought that John the Bap-
tist, to whose faithfulness Christ Himself
had borne witness, had passed through a
similar experience
!"—The Desire of Ages,
page 224.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Was John as free to make his own
choices as anyone else?
2.
Which influences have the most to do
with a child's character: the Spirit of God?
heredity? home training? general environ-
ment?
3.
What is the best procedure when
doubt arises?
4.
Is there anything I would not forsake,
if necessary, to follow Christ?
Lesson 13, for December 30, 1961
The Youth Who Redeemed the World
MEMORY VERSE: "I
shall see Him, but not now: I shall behold Him, but not nigh:
there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel."
Num. 24:17.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 68-74, 114-131, 298-314, 569-579,
741-764, 818-828 (chapters 7, 12, 13, 31, 63, 78, 79, 86); "The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary," on lesson texts; the "Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Dictionary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin read-
ing from Study Helps.
Monday: Questions 4-8.
Tuesday: Questions 9-12.
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Wednesday: Questions 13, 14; read
from Study Helps.
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
43 ]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Early Recognition of Jesus' Mission
1.
His life began in trial.
Matt. 2:12-14, 19-23.
2.
Recognition by Simeon.
Luke 2:25-32.
3.
The boy Christ understood His
mission. Luke 2:42-52.
II. A Life With Every Test and Problem
4.
Three masterful temptations.
Matt. 4:1-4, 5-7, 8-11.
5.
Hypocritical opposition.
Matt. 12:1, 2, 10, 14, 24.
6.
Spiritual blindness. Matt. 13:15;
16:21, 22; 23:27, 28, 37, 38.
7.
Man's woes. Matt. 8:2,
3, 5, 6, 13-17, 28, 32; 14:35, 36.
8.
The supreme test.
Matt. 26:39, 42, 44; 27:46.
Ill. His
.
Way of Teaching
9.
By parables. Matt. 13:34.
10.
By individual instruction.
John 3:1-21; 4:7-15.
11.
By preaching to groups.
Matt. 5:1-12.
12.
By training others. Matt. 10:1, 7, 8.
IV. His Final Triumph
13.
Previews of Christ's Kingship.
Matt. 17:1, 2, 5; 21:8-11.
14.
Victory over the cross and tomb.
John 19:30; Matt. 28:5, 6.
THE LESSON
sleeps was watching over His beloved Son.
He who had rained manna from heaven for
Israel and had fed Elijah in the time of
famine provided in a heathen land a refuge
for Mary and the Child Jesus. And through
the gifts of the Magi from a heathen coun-
try the Lord supplied the means for the
journey into Egypt and the sojourn in a
land of strangers."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 65.
2.
When Jesus was dedicated in the
temple what recognition was given
Him, and by whom? Luke 2:25-32.
Introduction
"None will ever be called to perfect
Christian character under more unfavorable
circumstances than that of our Saviour. The
fact that Christ lived thirty years in Naza-
reth, from which many thought it a wonder
if any good thing could come, is a rebuke
to the youth who consider that their reli-
gious character must conform to circum-
stances. If the surroundings of youth are
unpleasant and positively bad, many make
this an excuse for not perfecting Chris-
tian character. The example of Christ would
rebuke the idea that His followers are de-
pendent upon place, fortune, or prosperity,
in order to live blameless lives. Christ would
teach them that their faithfulness would
make any place or position, where the provi-
dence of God called them, honorable, how-
ever
humble."—Messages to Young People,
page 79.
Early Recognition of Jesus' Mission
1. What trials came to the family
of Jesus in His infancy? Matt. 2:12-14,
19-23.
NOTE.—"Satan was bent on shutting out
the divine light from the world, and he
used his utmost cunning to destroy the
Saviour. But He who never slumbers nor
Nora.
"As Simeon
enters the temple, he
sees a family presenting their first-born son
before the priest. Their appearance bespeaks
poverty; but Simeon understands the
warnings of the Spirit, and he is deeply
impressed that the infant being presented
to the Lord is the Consolation of Israel,
the One he has longed to see. To the
astonished priest, Simeon appears like a
man enraptured. The child has been re-
turned to Mary, and he takes it in his arms
and presents it to God, while a joy that he
has never before felt enters his soul."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 55.
3.
What experience revealed that as'
a boy Jesus understood His mission to
the world? Luke 2:42-52.
[44
]
NOTE.—"Since He gained knowledge as
we may do, His intimate acquaintance with
the Scriptures shows how diligently His
early years were given to the study of
God's word. And spread out before Him
was the great library of God's created
works. He who had made all things studied
the lessons which His own hand had writ-
ten in earth and sea and sky. .. . From His
earliest years He was possessed of one
purpose; He lived to bless others. For
this He found resources in nature."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 70.
Are you a soldier of the
cross,
Counting worldly gain but
loss?
Take your Bible, Sabbath
day,
That's the good old advent
way.
A Life With Every
.
Test
and Problem
4. Describe the three comprehen-
sive temptations that came to Jesus
after His baptism. Matt. 4:1-4, 5-7,
8-11.
NOTE.—"Not without a struggle could
Jesus listen in silence to the archdeceiver.
But the Son of God was not to prove His
divinity to Satan, or to explain the reason of
His humiliation. By conceding to the de-
mands of the rebel, nothing for the good
of man or the glory of God would be
gained. Had Christ complied with the sug-
gestion of the enemy, Satan would still
have said, Show me
a
sign that I may
believe you to be the Son of God. Evi-
dence would have been worthless to break
the power of rebellion in his heart. And
Christ was not to exercise divine power
for His own benefit. . . . Neither here nor
at any subsequent time in His earthly life
did He work a miracle in His own behalf.
His wonderful works were all for the good
of others."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 119.
5.
What type of oppositon did Je-
sus meet repeatedly? Matt. 12:1, 2, 10,
14, 24.
NOTE.—"Many are deceived today in the
same way as were the Jews. Religious
teachers read the Bible in the light of their
own understanding and traditions; and the
people do not search the Scriptures for
themselves, and judge for themselves as to
what is truth; but they yield up their
judgment, and commit their souls to their
leaders. The preaching and teaching of His
word is one of the means that God has or-
dained for diffusing light; but we must
bring every man's teaching to the test of
Scripture. Whoever will prayerfully study
the Bible, desiring to know the truth, that
he may obey it, will receive divine enlight-
enment. He will understand the Scriptures.
`If any man willeth to do His will, he shall
know of the teaching.' John 7:17, R.V."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 459.
6.
Mention others who shared the
spiritual blindness of the opponents
of Jesus. Matt. 13:15; 16:21, 22; 23:
27, 28, 37, 38.
7.
What chain of events shows how
fully Jesus was identified with the
woes of mankind? Matt. 8:2, 3, 5,
6, 13-17, 28, 32; 14:35, 36.
NOTE.—"Physical disease, however ma-
lignant and deep-seated, was healed by the
power of Christ; but the disease of the soul
took a firmer hold upon those who closed
their eyes against the light. Leprosy and
palsy were not so terrible as bigotry and
unbelief."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 271.
8.
As Jesus met the supreme test of
His life, what heart-rending cries as-
cended to the Father? Matt. 26:39, 42,
44; 27:46.
[ 45 3
NOTE.—"It is for thee that the Son of
God consents to bear this burden of guilt;
for thee He spoils the domain of death,
and opens the gates of Paradise. He who
stilled the angry waves and walked the
foam-capped billows, who made devils
tremble and disease flee, who opened blind
eyes and called forth the dead to life,—of-
fers Himself upon the cross as a sacrifice,
and this from love to thee. He, the Sin
Bearer, endures the wrath of divine justice,
and for thy sake becomes sin itself."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 755, 756.
His Way of Teaching
9.
To bring spiritual truth to the
hearts of His hearers, what method of
teaching did Jesus use? Matt. 13:34.
10.
Name two incidents that illus-
trate Jesus' attention to individual
needs. John 3:1-21; 4:7-15.
NOTE.—"Christ in His teaching dealt
with men individually. It was by personal
contact and association that He trained the
Twelve. It was in private, often to but one
listener, that He gave His most precious
instruction."—Education, page 231.
11.
What method of teaching did
Jesus employ in giving the Sermon on
the Mount? Matt. 5:1-12.
NOTE.—For a study of Christ's method
of preaching, it would be well to read
again the whole Sermon on the Mount as
contained in Matthew 5; 6; 7.
"Christ seldom gathered His disciples
alone to receive His words. He did not
choose for His audience those only who
knew the way of life. It was His work to
reach the multitudes who were in ignorance
and error. He gave His lessons of truth
where they could reach the darkened under-
standing. He Himself was the Truth, stand-
ing with girded loins and hands ever
outstretched to bless, and in words of warn-
ing, entreaty, and encouragement, seeking
to uplift all who would come unto Him.
"The Sermon on the Mount, though
given especially to the disciples, was spoken
in the hearing of the multitude."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 298.
12.
Explain how Jesus multiplied
His own efforts by training others.
Matt. 10:1, 7, 8.
NoTE.—"The apostles were members of
the family of Jesus, and they had ac-
companied Him as He traveled on foot
through Galilee. They had shared with Him
the toils and hardships that overtook them.
They had listened to His discourses, they
had walked and talked with the Son of
God, and from His daily instruction they
had learned how to work for the elevation
of humanity. . . . They taught what they
had learned of Jesus, and were every day
obtaining a rich experience. But they
needed also an experience in laboring alone.
They were still in need of much instruction,
great patience and tenderness. Now, while
He was personally with them, to point out
their errors, and counsel and correct them,
the Saviour sent them forth as His repre-
sentatives."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 349.
"With such an army of workers as our
youth, rightly trained, might furnish, how
soon the message of a crucified, risen, and
soon-coming Saviour might be carried to
the whole world
!"—Education,
page 271.
His Final Triumph
13.
By what two events were im-
portant truths concerning Christ's
coming kingdom illustrated? Matt.
17:1, 2, 5; 21:8-11.
NOTE.—"Jesus was clothed with the
light of heaven, as He will appear when He
shall come 'the second time without sin
unto salvation.' For He will come 'in the
glory of His Father with the holy angels.'
Heb. 9:28; Mark 8:38. The Saviour's
promise to the disciples was now fulfilled.
Upon the mount the future kingdom of
glory was represented in miniature,—
Christ the King, Moses a representative of
the risen saints, and Elijah of the trans-
lated ones,"—The
Desire of Ages,
page 422.
[ 46 ]
14. What three words uttered on
the cross marked the climax of Christ's
redemptive work on earth? With
what words did the angel announce
Christ's victory over death? John 19:
30; Matt. 28:5, 6.
NOTE.
-"To
the angels and unfallen
worlds the cry, 'It is finished,' had a deep
significance. It was for them as well as
for us that the great work of redemption
had been accomplished. They with us share
the fruits of Christ's victory."-The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 758.
Questions for Meditation
1.
What evidence have I shown that I
really believe God's power can give me
every needed victory?
2.
Do I really want to be like Jesus, or
am I more concerned about what others
think of me?
3.
Is a youth, because he is young, less
accountable for his ways than others?
4.
Do I fully understand that Heaven
offers to me every power upon which Christ
relied when He lived on the earth?
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
December 23, 1961, Far Eastern Division
The overflow from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter has
been dedicated to three specific projects in the Far Eastern Division.
They are: an evangelistic center for the nearly 4,000,000 people in the
city of Djakarta, Indonesia; a Voice of Prophecy headquarters building
at Bangkok, Thailand; and buildings at the Ayer Manis Training
School in Sarawak, where national workers can be trained to carry the
gospel to the tribal peoples of North Borneo and Sarawak.
The Thirteenth Sabbath Offering has meant much to this division
over the years, for the overflow has helped to start many new projects
and to strengthen many that had already been started. Today the work
is going very rapidly in every part of this great mission field.
Let us make a real Christmas gift to missions by giving our Thir-
teenth Sabbath Offering on December 23.
LESSONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1962
Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the first quarter of 1962 will be helped by the following outline in studying the
first lesson. The title of the series is "The Christian and His Neighbors." The title
of the first lesson is, "The Members of the Godhead." The Memory Verse is John
14:9. The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Matt. 28:19.
Ques. 2. 1 Peter 1:2.
Ques. 3. John 3:16; 2 Cor. 5:19.
Ques. 4. Acts 4:12 ; 1 Tim. 2:5; John 5:22 ;
Gal. 2:20.
Ques. 5. John 14:26; 2 Peter 1:21.
Ques. 10. Rom. 8:26, 27.
Ques. 11. 1 John 4:10, 11.
[ 47 ]
Ques.
6.
John 5:19-23, 30,
31; 8:28,
14:10; 17:22.
Ques.
7.
Col. 1:19; 2:9.
Ques.
8.
Matt. 28:19.
Ques.
9.
1 John 4:9.